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 In places like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, Dunkin’s loyalty runs deep, fueled by merch drops, celebrity collaborations, and a high store density in the region. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Balaji Balasubramanian, president and chief product officer, SAP CX and consumer industries, said allowing multiple functions to impact the consumer experience in real time could lead to better loyalty and profit outcomes. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025 American Express reported record third-quarter 2025 results on Friday, driven by the spending power and loyalty of younger affluent consumers. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Directed by Gerard McMurray and featuring standout performances from Alfre Woodard and Trevante Rhodes, the film examines the fine line between loyalty and survival within Black Greek life. Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Meghan has no allegiance to the British Royal Family or UK.
    Janelle Ash , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Mbeumo met one of his idols, Samuel Eto’o, before switching allegiance in 2022 and representing Cameroon at the World Cup in Qatar.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Uninhibited by the European commitments of their rivals following last season’s dreary eighth-place finish, Massimiliano Allegri has wasted no time moulding the Rossoneri into a stubborn outfit that sit within two points of the summit after a 0-0 draw at Juventus before the international break.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This transition reflects our commitment to evolving with those changes and ensuring UNC Charlotte remains competitive and sustainable.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The volunteer community’s dedication is a crucial puzzle piece in how the trail ecosystem functions.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If possession football is boring, then how did City score a record-breaking 106 Premier League goals (85 from open play) when, looking at the data, their devotion to keeping possession was at its peak?
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Humans aren’t very good at estimating meal components down to the gram, and measuring every mouthful of food requires intense devotion.
    Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Thank you for your demanding, lyrical, and sensual body of work, and for your fidelity to the light itself.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But to read the play, from 1890, in advance is to marvel at the combination of fidelity and freedom, of interpretation and imagination, that Nia DaCosta, the film’s writer and director, brings to bear.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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