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 Related Articles The 30-page report reveals that higher living expenses and intensifying economic challenges are causing customers to abandon their loyalty to brands. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • The Spaniard made the move after winning the 2023 Masters, which changed his thinking about switching allegiances.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Across the nation more and more Hispanic—and to some extent Black voters—are switching allegiance the Republicans.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Miles is ranked No. 1 in the portal by many outlets including On3, which first reported the commitment.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the health scare, Bobby V’s commitment to his fans remained unwavering.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His two sensational strikes against Madrid were a culmination of his dedication on the training ground.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • His father, an attorney of Irish immigrant descent, worked tirelessly while his mother managed their household of six children with the same dedication.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The first 20 years of my career were at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH), and my devotion was to the practice of medicine, caring for the critically ill and provide lifesaving opportunity to those in need of cardiac transplantation.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But Frank's loyalty to the fans bred a reciprocal devotion that could turn dark.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Liberal children tended to recall more accurately the ratio of desirable and undesirable traits in the characters of the story; their memories possessed greater fidelity to the story as it was originally told.
    Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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