LOYALTIES 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

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

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 Cox had no loyalty to Trump; though a Republican, Cox had never voted for him and was hoping that his party would nominate someone else in 2024. — Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 Among those shoppers whose returns experience negatively impacted customer loyalty, the data showed that the most common complaint was return shipping fees, at 55 percent. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 The rise may be beaten by Sunderland, whose prices have not been released publicly and are based on loyalty, with personalised costs showing when supporters log in to their ticketing accounts. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 An attorney-client relationship may carry professional duties that include loyalty, confidentiality, and independent judgment. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty

Noun

But when al-Baghdadi announced in April 2013 that the Nusra Front would be folded into the Islamic State group, al-Sharaa refused and pledged allegiance to al-Qaida’s Ayman al-Zawahiri instead.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Many New Yorkers who remained behind British lines during the war were not supporters of the Revolution, but in naming their son after George Washington, the Irvings declared their allegiance.

— Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of allegiance

Noun

Michael Mankins and Matthew Crupi want value maximization back as the objective, with stakeholder commitments as hard or soft constraints.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
The integration of laser systems on the lightweight, highly mobile ISV platform reflects a commitment to scalable, adaptable, and expeditionary force protection solutions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of commitment

Noun

Our nurses play an essential role in caring for others with compassion and dedication, and this loss is being felt across our entire community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Rogers’ heartfelt dedication touched on each of those points, remembering Parton for her charitable spirit and immense talent.

— Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

Love the Georgia peach down, but respecting the fidelity of partnership has never been one of her strong points.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Priced at $899, these headphones boast a groundbreaking three-way hybrid driver architecture, integrating dynamic, planar-magnetic, and balanced armature drivers for exceptional audio fidelity.

— Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of fidelity

Browse Nearby Words

loyalists

loyalty

lozenge

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“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of loyalty

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