Synonym Chooser

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

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 loyalty Still, the controversies show how Musk's politics have been testing the loyalties of customers at Starlink and Tesla. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025 Aides say that in Mr. Trump’s mind, that perceived snub was a great endorsement, proof that General Caine has no specific loyalty to the previous administration. Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 These include signing up for an airline's loyalty program, bidding for an upgrade online, or simply asking for one in person. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Drake also commended his Her Loss rap partner, 21 Savage, for his unwavering loyalty during the contentious feud before ultimately blitzing Budden. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
Noun
  • Seeger was shaped by the 1930s, Baez by the 1960s, and both, like Dylan, had a moment of decision that defined their allegiances.
    Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Lawyers working for the government owe their allegiance to the American people, not to President Donald J. Trump.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • With a commitment to clarity, continuous improvement and cross-functional communication, organizations can truly harness the transformative power of AI.
    Himanshu Sinha, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • That administration also in 2018 hosted the Baltic Summit, underscoring defense commitment to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Central midfield: Obed Vargas, Seattle Sounders In the second decade of MLS’s dedication to youth academies, teams can more dependably develop players for their first team.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Their exceptional dedication, vast experience across all areas of the entertainment industry, and enthusiasm and passion for music and artistry continue to impress the firm’s clients and partners alike.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • How does a video game — especially one as young as Apex, which launched in 2019 — inspire this kind of devotion?
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Then the rosary and the cross are to show my devotion.
    Renea Baek Goddard, Them, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of virtuosity, textual fidelity and the pursuit of excellence, music making around vulnerable people calls on a mix of ethical values and social skills — chief among them the Hippocratic injunction to do no harm.
    Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Slim 7i led the way in battery life and brightness, and its IPS panel virtually matched the OLED screens in color fidelity.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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