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 Continue reading … SHAPE UP – Military community reacts to Hegseth's demand for fitness, loyalty. FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025 No one going to be at your death bed thanking you for company loyalty. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Leo is a fire sign known for its theatrics, generosity, and loyalty. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 Shoppers will also gain triple loyalty points for qualifying purchases on the opening weekend and will also take home some gifts with purchase. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Fans have allegiance to those players—more than to teams, more than to the league.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, a 5-0 loss against the Canadiens won’t lead to many fans changing allegiances.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These sailings are ideal for first-time cruisers to sample the experience without a long commitment.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • For all the government’s rhetoric and commitment to a decades-old revolution, Cubans see a much-vaunted medical system that is failing, unable to provide drugs, procedures — or even electricity.
    Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Eve Lom’s dedication to meaningful connection is exemplified through its partnership with the renowned actress Li Qin.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • His dedication goes beyond athletics, Alec is known for being friendly, encouraging, and supportive of all students and their interests.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Amorim may turn the rising tide; a Premier League wins list which only includes six of the current top-flight teams may quickly expand; a playing system currently receiving devotion without much sign of deserving it may soon bear fruit.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • She was asked to write about her devotion to Jesus, and her works were published after her death.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new photonic router capable of directing quantum information with over 99% fidelity, a key benchmark for the construction of a future quantum internet.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The graphical fidelity adds to the horror, as the fear and terror that takes over Hinako's face during cutscenes is spine-tingling.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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