Synonym Chooser

How is the word fidelity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fidelity are allegiance, devotion, fealty, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fidelity?

The words allegiance and fidelity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would devotion be a good substitute for fidelity?

While the synonyms devotion and fidelity are close in meaning, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When can fealty be used instead of fidelity?

The meanings of fealty and fidelity largely overlap; however, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When might loyalty be a better fit than fidelity?

The words loyalty and fidelity can be used in similar contexts, 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

When could piety be used to replace fidelity?

The synonyms piety and fidelity are sometimes interchangeable, but piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of fidelity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Zink is more economical—Canon 2-by-3-inch paper costs around $0.60 per print—but doesn't provide the same level of color fidelity or clarity as Instax film. PCMAG, 14 Aug. 2024 This highlighted a deeply ingrained and troubling view of women’s autonomy and fidelity. Flow Space, 26 July 2024 Repetition with fidelity led, with the aid of print, to longer organized forms such as the motet, a vocal music composition, and the conductus, a Latin song with a rhythmic structure. Lynn Whidden, Scientific American, 26 July 2024 The gems were also believed to symbolize fidelity, sincerity and truth. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fidelity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fidelity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

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