Synonym Chooser

How is the word fealty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fealty are allegiance, devotion, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fealty?

While the synonyms allegiance and fealty are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

In what contexts can devotion take the place of fealty?

The meanings of devotion and fealty largely overlap; however, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could fidelity be used to replace fealty?

While in some cases nearly identical to fealty, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When would loyalty be a good substitute for fealty?

The words loyalty and fealty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might piety be a better fit than fealty?

The synonyms piety and fealty are sometimes interchangeable, but piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples 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 fealty This fealty to corporate progress could, in theory, be a bummer—but the Alien films have always managed to be a pretty good time. Fran Hoepfner, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024 The Mesquite District race was dominated by two issues: the airpark proposal and fealty to Beck, the champion of that idea. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2024 Now those who decide are the small number of primary voters, often more ideologically extreme than the average voter, and for whom ideological fealty is more important than electability. Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 Maybe he’s been reading the comments and wanted to pledge his fealty officially. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for fealty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • Because of that, many in the art world snubbed both Mel and Racquel to show allegiance to Mickalene.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In an election with historic political division, Osborn is marketing himself as a candidate with no allegiance to either party, often expressing his grievances over partisan gridlocks and ineffectiveness on Capitol Hill.
    Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • To address the issue and restore customer loyalty, the complaint suggests that Chipotle would need to increase portion sizes, which would, in turn, raise the company’s cost of sales.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hurricanes may reinforce denial and commitment to a worldview that rejects climate change.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Term limits, performance evaluations, and commitment to continuous learning are fundamental to the Board’s ability to stay ahead of rapid changes.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • As the evening shifted from dedication to dance party, the space saw the convergence of a masterclass of art and culture world peers.
    Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The path to preserving the planet’s biodiversity will demand resilience, innovation, and dedication.
    David Carlin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But what may not be as widely known is his devotion as a father to his three daughters.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Lawmakers from high-tax states — including Republicans — have made clear their ardent devotion to the cause of restoring the deduction.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Yet, the most intriguing finding was their apparent fidelity to specific regions, particularly the waters east of Taiwan.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Our greatest responsibility as the Catholic Church is fidelity to the Gospel and sharing the saving mission of Christ.
    Enquirer staff, The Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near fealty

Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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