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 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 There’s an underlying sense of loyalty between them, even post-divorce, with Apollo revealing that Toya had been asking about his marital affairs. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Politics Trump’s own unorthodox rise, focus on loyalty loom large as nominees face headwinds Dec. 8, 2024 Voters there ended the Republican supermajority for the upcoming session and elected Democrats to nearly all statewide offices, including governor and attorney general. Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024 Brands that do this well create opportunities for deeper loyalty, and ultimately sales. Vox Creative, Vox, 6 Dec. 2024 Sports enjoy unparalleled loyalty and deliver higher top-line growth and greater resilience to economic downturns than almost any other comparable asset class. Richard Albert, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loyalty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Assisting him is steadfast officer Salim, played by Mukesh Rishi, whose allegiances are doubted because of his Muslim faith.
    Thomas Page, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Hall attributed Tate's inaction Friday on the issues to the House Speaker's allegiance to labor interests.
    Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • President-elect Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to Hegseth as a nominee despite controversy.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Trump's, arguing against alliance expansion until current members meet their defense spending commitments of 2 percent GDP.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Through dedication to science and compassion for patients, Dr. Halpert and his team are redefining what’s possible in cancer care.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This question is a litmus test—a direct check on your dedication to developing hard skills outside formal education.
    Pamela Skillings, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • An incongruity of ideals shaped by age, gender and religious devotion may place a family at a standstill, but the recognition of them becomes a sign of progress.
    Stephen Saito, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024
  • But as the second season has put Derek’s marital devotion to the test, McGinley has exhibited a level of vulnerability rarely hinted at previously.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Lo-fi, or low fidelity, is an instrumental genre of music that features musical imperfections.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Best Graphics Settings For Marvel Rivals On Steam Deck Marvel Rivals is absolutely capable of 60FPS or higher on Steam Deck, but not without sacrificing some visual fidelity.
    Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near loyalty

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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