Synonym Chooser

How is the word fealty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fealty are allegiance, devotion, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fealty?

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

pledging allegiance

In what contexts can devotion take the place of fealty?

The meanings of devotion and fealty largely overlap; however, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could fidelity be used to replace fealty?

While in some cases nearly identical to fealty, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When would loyalty be a good substitute for fealty?

The words loyalty and fealty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might piety be a better fit than fealty?

The synonyms piety and fealty are sometimes interchangeable, 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 fealty Daemon pledges his fealty to Queen Rhaenyra with a massive army to boot, Alicent comes to Dragonstone with a desperate plea, armies march across Westeros, and Rhaena is maybe still running through the Vale. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024 While sketch comedy show frequently takes aim at Trump — played since 2016 by Alec Baldwin and James Austin Johnson — Saturday's episode spoofed the actors paying fealty to the new commander in chief. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 Still, Ser Simon Strong, who serves as castellan in his nephew’s absence, falls to Daemon’s knees, pledges fealty to the Blacks, and offers the man supper. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024 The race was dominated by two issues: a proposal to build an airport on 6,700 acres of state trust land on the outskirts of the city, and fealty to the champion of that idea, Mayor Jason Beck. Sean Holstege, The Arizona Republic, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for fealty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
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
  • Confused and annoyed, he’s taken to Colonel Watson Smith (Anthony Howell) to justify his allegiance.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Shorter job tenures are becoming the new norm, with professionals prioritizing meaningful outcomes over long-term organizational loyalty.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Despite Alaska and Hawaiian operating separately, Alaska Air Group is working on combining the carrier’s loyalty programs.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Trump's, arguing against alliance expansion until current members meet their defense spending commitments of 2 percent GDP.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
  • One of the top high-school recruits in the country in 2022 coming out of Georgia, the Florida native flipped a verbal commitment to Florida State on signing day to go to Jackson State, the historically Black university in Mississippi where Sanders began his college coaching career.
    Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • Lo-fi, or low fidelity, is an instrumental genre of music that features musical imperfections.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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