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 Create exclusive experiences: Offer access to online communities, loyalty programs or virtual events that encourage deeper engagement with your brand. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 As in his first term, talented and capable midlevel IC officers may leave rather than work for a president that demands loyalty, a trend that will only be exacerbated by broader pressure on civil servants. Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 Unilever’s commitment to sustainability offers a similar lesson of reducing plastic waste while boosting loyalty and brand reputation. Michael Shribman, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 They are being educated mostly in Mandarin and indoctrinated with official Chinese values of loyalty and patriotism. Chris Buckley, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loyalty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The Catholic Church challenges its faithful to transcend partisan allegiances and live out a radical, sacrificial faith.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • One sheet of paper is peppered with pledges of allegiance to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and of victory in battle.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This commitment is far too robust to be derailed by the absence of any single participant.
    Thais Lopez Vogel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Trinity’s engagements with Hartford, and its inextricable co-dependencies, are not without flaws, but community commitments and points of progress abound.
    Garth Andrew Myers, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His motto, ‘Dream, Rise, Ignite,’ has become my guiding force, and the mission to complete this cinematic journey has been my dedication ever since.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Booker was charged with lying to police, per Gajewski. Elkins, who operated a hairstyling business in her home, is known for her dedication to her 7-year-old and 10-year-old sons.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • These are people who have grown up together, loved and lost together, and, most importantly, people who carry a deep devotion to this land and those who occupy it.
    Emma Marie Jenkinson, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
  • American society lacks devotion to the industrial complex.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • According to Nvidia, this uses twice as many parameters and four times the computer power to create images with higher overall image fidelity.
    Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PCMAG, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The purpose is to create rich bass while also offering fidelity to the artist’s original intention, the company says, without .
    David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near loyalty

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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