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 Use discounts and loyalty programs to shave more off the cost of essentials. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Some Taiwanese have sought a Chinese ID card to make living and working in China easier, but the days of divided loyalties are over, according to Taiwan’s government. Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Is loyalty to an old friend and/or anxiety about having a kid reason enough to spend a day or two away from a wife who could go into labor at any minute? David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025 Karen Page Karen Page aligns with Taurus, a sign known for their immense loyalty and optimistic outlook on life. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Madrigal has made the 115-mile round trip to BMO Stadium to see LAFC play but is considering throwing his allegiance to the local club.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Due to his allegiance to Mahan, Quevedo’s policy platform largely mirrored the types of proposals emerging from the mayor’s office.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Notwithstanding recent moments of tension around Israel, the Catholic Church has affirmed time and time again its commitment to fighting antisemitism and appreciating Judaism as a sibling tradition.
    Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Recognitions such as being named one of Fort Worth’s Top 500 Most Influential People and receiving awards like Entrepreneur of Excellence and Community Advocate of the Year highlight my commitment to serving our city.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His final appearance—made after a prolonged illness and hospitalization—has become a symbol of his resilience and dedication to pastoral duties even in declining health.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Marks built that reputation through four years of loyalty and dedication at Mississippi State, and carried it onto USC.
    Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • American Idol leaned into the Easter Sunday (April 20) holiday with a three-hour episode in which this season’s top 20 sang anthems of faith and devotion, with one contestant turning heads thanks to his original song dedicated to a lost friend.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Today By Paulina Berges Another theme becomes clear in this survey of Sherald’s work: the artist’s devotion to capturing the joys of the Black American experience.
    Juliana Ukiomogbe, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Material features can also include things like colophons—formulas at the end of a text that attest to its completeness and fidelity and often also include the name of the copyist—doodles in the margins, mistakes and corrections, even handwriting style.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Further testing will be performed at ESA’s Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, which will have facilities to replicate the Moon’s surface with even greater fidelity.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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