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 April Fools' Day deals and specials A few companies are passing on pranks and giving their customers deals or specials: Burger King: Members of its Royal Perks loyalty program get a free order of any size onion rings with their purchase of $1 or more on Tuesday. Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 As the dust settles, the mayor finds himself in a vulnerable position politically after weathering months of criticism from progressive allies and moderate opponents alike that his primary loyalty is to the CTU, not Chicago taxpayers or CPS families. Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 The person is observed tagging or using graffitti to mark territory and show loyalty to TDA (2 points). Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
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
  • 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
  • Franciscus invites the community and sponsors to attend and support this fundraising event, which celebrates the society’s commitment to justice and equality.
    Paola Hernandez Jiao, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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
  • Even Sam Star’s mother, a deeply southern woman who has a fearsome dedication to her child, is a revolutionary figure right now.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 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
  • Clear and dynamic, the main frequency ranges blossomed with a fidelity not possible at the group’s two most recent local gigs at the Riviera Theatre (2014) and Aragon (2022).
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Loyalty isn’t a strong enough word of Bondi’s fidelity to Trump.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!