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Synonym Chooser

How is the word piety distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of piety are allegiance, devotion, fealty, fidelity, and loyalty. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

When would allegiance be a good substitute for piety?

While the synonyms allegiance and piety are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When is it sensible to use devotion instead of piety?

While in some cases nearly identical to piety, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When might fealty be a better fit than piety?

Although the words fealty and piety have much in common, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When can fidelity be used instead of piety?

The meanings of fidelity and piety largely overlap; however, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When could loyalty be used to replace piety?

The synonyms loyalty and piety are sometimes interchangeable, but loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

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 piety Seen this way, gratitude can be an adventure, an exercise not only in piety but also in imagination. Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Nov. 2024 When city officials mumble pieties and let lifesaving street designs get bogged down in endless studies. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024 Too many liberals forgot this, which explains how a figure like Trump, with his boisterous and transgressive disdain for liberal pieties, could be reelected to the presidency. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 Eastwood also doesn’t have a lot of use for liberal pieties, which probably helps explain his attraction to Walt Kowalski, the hero of his 2008 film Gran Torino. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for piety 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piety
Noun
  • There are so many fascinating takes in this film, including their views on religion and SNL (the parodies bothered them because they were never invited on the show).
    Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The 119th Congress has commenced with a notable shift in religious affiliation among its members, reflecting a broader trend of religion declining across the United States.
    Janae Bowens, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And as my character says, ambition is the moth of holiness.
    Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Pleasing or terrible smells could also signify holiness or evil.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Within five lines, the bridge incorporates a hymnal, pledges undying devotion and solidifies a spiritual quality to the relationship that had been seeded earlier.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
  • More on culture On Broadway, mothers are usually either objects of devotion or monsters.
    Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And with the Bears hoping to zero in on a new coach who can set a demanding tone in their locker room, hiring Campbell would require a big leap of faith.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Hegseth described the tattoo in question as a Jerusalem Cross and a symbol of his Christian faith.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Comprising 15 contemplative works, the show explores themes of sacrifice, spirituality, and humanity’s intricate connection to nature, encapsulated by the biblical and mythological symbolism of the lamb.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The show is organized around themes including sensuality, spirituality, joy, revelry and emancipation.
    Emily LaBarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Her style range shows an allegiance to the simple yet ornate, where craft is key: a killer red carpet formula.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Previous attorneys general have included both those with a close allegiance to the presidents who appointed them – personal lawyers, friends, a brother – and those who were more independent-minded.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • This initiative reflects Dixon’s dedication to fostering personal growth and uplifting his community.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This dedication to sustainability is a key differentiator, appealing to environmentally conscious businesses and educational institutions looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near piety

Cite this Entry

“Piety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piety. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on piety

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