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 To get status with an airline, enroll in its loyalty program and then start earning miles or points. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025 New research identifies eight ways that salespeople across industries cheat or bend the rules to maximize their gain—often at the expense of the company’s bottom line and customer loyalty. Harvard Business Review, 18 Mar. 2025 The vast sums of money that Abbott unleashed, along with his zero-sum assessment of political loyalty, has proved persuasive. Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 The successful ones manage to create experiential spaces that become cultural and lifestyle phenomenons while also reinforcing brand appeal and loyalty. Clara Ludmir, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • He’s left with Chrissy and Mitch, who have little allegiance to him.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike many others in Indiana who rooted for in-state schools Indiana, Purdue or Notre Dame, Smith didn’t have an allegiance to one program.
    Tim Casey, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even while boards are voting against anti-DEI polices this quarter, the stakes of losing FCC approval for its merger with Skydance appear to outweigh any commitments to DEI.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But both parties must take the process seriously and stick to their commitments.
    Christopher M. Worsham, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Not just for the exceptional wines, but for these supremely authentic interactions that are born from an unfailing dedication to the land.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Even Sam Star’s mother, a deeply southern woman who has a fearsome dedication to her child, is a revolutionary figure right now.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Toni Kroos’ devotion to his Adidas Adipure 11s is a legend.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His mother’s devotion to Joyner’s show, which ended in 2019, made an impression on Charlamagne.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This ThinkPad's screen quality, audio fidelity, and other user conveniences earn it our Editors' Choice award.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
  • To the surprise of no one, last-gen consoles were left behind, allowing the developers of Borderlands 4 to work on and apply bigger innovations beyond graphical fidelity.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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