loyalty

noun

ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
Definition of loyaltynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Use discounts and loyalty programs to shave more off the cost of essentials. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Some Taiwanese have sought a Chinese ID card to make living and working in China easier, but the days of divided loyalties are over, according to Taiwan’s government. —Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Is loyalty to an old friend and/or anxiety about having a kid reason enough to spend a day or two away from a wife who could go into labor at any minute? —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025 Karen Page Karen Page aligns with Taurus, a sign known for their immense loyalty and optimistic outlook on life. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
  1. allegiance
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. devotion
  5. fidelity
Noun
  • The Spaniard made the move after winning the 2023 Masters, which changed his thinking about switching allegiances.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Across the nation more and more Hispanic—and to some extent Black voters—are switching allegiance the Republicans.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • Miles is ranked No. 1 in the portal by many outlets including On3, which first reported the commitment.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the health scare, Bobby V’s commitment to his fans remained unwavering.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • His two sensational strikes against Madrid were a culmination of his dedication on the training ground.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • His father, an attorney of Irish immigrant descent, worked tirelessly while his mother managed their household of six children with the same dedication.
    — Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • The first 20 years of my career were at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH), and my devotion was to the practice of medicine, caring for the critically ill and provide lifesaving opportunity to those in need of cardiac transplantation.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But Frank's loyalty to the fans bred a reciprocal devotion that could turn dark.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • Further testing will be performed at ESA’s Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, which will have facilities to replicate the Moon’s surface with even greater fidelity.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Liberal children tended to recall more accurately the ratio of desirable and undesirable traits in the characters of the story; their memories possessed greater fidelity to the story as it was originally told.
    — Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of fidelity

Browse Nearby Words

loyalists
loyalty
lozenge
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Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of loyalty for Spanish Speakers

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