LOYALTY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

loyalty

noun

ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē

Definition of loyalty next

as in allegiance

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty there was no denying that dog's loyalty to his master

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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

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 loyalty Create exclusive experiences: Offer access to online communities, loyalty programs or virtual events that encourage deeper engagement with your brand. —

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 As in his first term, talented and capable midlevel IC officers may leave rather than work for a president that demands loyalty, a trend that will only be exacerbated by broader pressure on civil servants. —

Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 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 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 See all Example Sentences for loyalty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty

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