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

Examples of loyalty in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay Fans of M.O., Mandarin Oriental's loyalty program, offers guests perks and rewards for booking directly with the hotel. Laura Ratliff, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2024 Delta, United and Air France are only offering free high-speed wifi to members of their loyalty programmes. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 18 Oct. 2024 How have these major events made an impact — if any — on those voters who typically lack longstanding loyalty to a political party? Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 18 Oct. 2024 Brand loyalty Not everyone is as concerned about the outlook for Germany’s car industry. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loyalty 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loyalty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near loyalty

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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