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

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 fealty The canine rises up on its hind legs in an almost prayer-like pose that fuses desire and fealty. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025 From affinity, the campaign tilted into deeply suspicious fealty toward the Kremlin. Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025 Rather than obey, Sassoon honorably resigned and she was followed out the door by several other career prosecutors in Manhattan and D.C. Clement, like Sassoon, was a clerk for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and has a long history of fealty to the rule of law. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025 Most of the 18 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community report to the Defense Department and are run by nonpartisan senior military officers who do not owe their positions to demonstrated fealty to Trump. David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fealty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • He’s left with Chrissy and Mitch, who have little allegiance to him.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike many others in Indiana who rooted for in-state schools Indiana, Purdue or Notre Dame, Smith didn’t have an allegiance to one program.
    Tim Casey, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Customers can gain betting bonuses and discounts through this loyalty program.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even while boards are voting against anti-DEI polices this quarter, the stakes of losing FCC approval for its merger with Skydance appear to outweigh any commitments to DEI.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Their strong commitment to creating content that resonates with audiences mirrors our own mission.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Not just for the exceptional wines, but for these supremely authentic interactions that are born from an unfailing dedication to the land.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Erivo closed her speech with a powerful dedication to those feeling lost and uncertain in their journeys.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Toni Kroos’ devotion to his Adidas Adipure 11s is a legend.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His mother’s devotion to Joyner’s show, which ended in 2019, made an impression on Charlamagne.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This ThinkPad's screen quality, audio fidelity, and other user conveniences earn it our Editors' Choice award.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
  • To the surprise of no one, last-gen consoles were left behind, allowing the developers of Borderlands 4 to work on and apply bigger innovations beyond graphical fidelity.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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