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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

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 piety So a Muslim in a hijab attacks a trans performer who identifies as a woman yet doesn’t kowtow to all the liberal pieties. Armond White, National Review, 5 Feb. 2025 Then, Samantha Leach will tell us how the television show Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is leading more than a few members of the Mormon church to choose pomp over piety. airmail.news, 17 Aug. 2024 Yet beyond piety and service, the Georgia Democrat stood out from his earliest days on the national stage with unusually prolific, nuanced explanations of his beliefs. Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 The plot is set in motion when Ghada’s noon prayers are interrupted by a phone call, detailing her estranged mother extorting a young relative for cash, a wonderfully symbolic occurrence of the past interfering with her present piety — a running theme. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for piety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piety
Noun
  • The university said his areas of interest include religion, violence and peace processes in the Middle East and South Asia.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Cromwell and Mary were fundamentally opposed on matters of religion, with Mary famously clinging to the old ways of the Catholic Church.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • So if a film can convey that or suggest that— CS: There’s nothing holier… There’s a holiness to Leigh’s films because of that.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2025
  • McKinney grew up attending an evangelical church in Texas where she was taught that her tendency to gossip would keep her from holiness.
    Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These men shower their wives with praise, heartfelt captions and picture-perfect moments, creating an image of unwavering devotion.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • One, more light-hearted story is about the deity Krishna — whose skin was blue — and his love Radha, the goddess of love and devotion.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Take the quiz here … SPEAKING OUT – NCAA wrestler says 'faith' is key to Penn State's dominance.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Secondly, does anyone have any faith in Guerin being able to turn this franchise into a contender against the likes of Winnipeg, Dallas and Colorado this offseason?
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jewell is the guide through this green paradise where spirituality returns amid statues of Tibetan and Hindu deities.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In her way, Kent countered one of Warhol’s themes—cult celebrity worship—with her own ideas of social justice, activism, spirituality and optimism.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All the while, her bluegrass and country allegiance is unmistakable.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Carney and his cabinet swore allegiance to King Charles III in their oaths.
    Olivia Kemp, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Customers can gain betting bonuses and discounts through this loyalty program.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond her vocal talent, Summer’s dedication to refining her craft sets her apart.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Distinct from other forms of design, bespoke tailoring is equal parts aesthetic and engineering that demands a level of singular dedication.
    Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Piety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piety. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on piety

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