Definition of loyaltynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyalty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of loyalty are allegiance, devotion, fealty, fidelity, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

When is allegiance a more appropriate choice than loyalty?

The meanings of allegiance and loyalty largely overlap; however, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would devotion be a good substitute for loyalty?

The words devotion and loyalty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When might fealty be a better fit than loyalty?

In some situations, the words fealty and loyalty are roughly equivalent. However, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

In what contexts can fidelity take the place of loyalty?

The synonyms fidelity and loyalty are sometimes interchangeable, but fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When can piety be used instead of loyalty?

The words piety and loyalty can be used in similar contexts, but piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyalty Increasingly, loyalty is being defined by the entire trip—not simply the hotel stay. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Leatherwood will play Fox Thornton, Brendan’s best friend and fellow fisherman, a charismatic ladies’ man whose easy charm masks a deeper loyalty and vulnerability. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 Benefits of an Gap Card Membership Gap Encore is currently Gap’s free loyalty program with a credit card membership with tiers. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 3 Aug. 2026 Chiron turns retrograde in your 11th House of Friends, bringing up old sensitivity around belonging, loyalty, or being the one who keeps everyone emotionally fed. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The Islamic State group acknowledged the ISSP's allegiance in 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Often, the allegiances in question seemed to be drawn along lines of race.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • As a press release concludes, the companies presented their partnership as the beginning of a long-term commitment, with other projects planned.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Many Farmers Union shareholders say the 25-year commitment to convey wastewater treated by the Eagle Sewer District will endanger their well-being.
    Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Larter, who is known for her dedication to fitness, was seen in a black Alo sports bra with matching leggings during a workout session in a gym on the yacht.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • True loyalty, the article contends, lies in dedication to one's craft, continuous learning, and impact.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Physical restoration requires mechanical tools, but true customer devotion demands emotional sanctuary.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The store’s décor may consist of old rugs and retro light fixtures, but Tip Top’s luster comes from its devotion to customer service.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • This is one of the practice strategies READ teachers oversee, to ensure it is being implemented with fidelity and to encourage the teen leader and reader pairs on their learning journey together.
    Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Sanderson believes that the capture’s quality and fidelity also fueled some of the film’s word of mouth and will continue to do so for as long as theaters are willing to keep it.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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