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 How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay Desert & Delta Safaris is not part of any loyalty program. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025 During her first tour, Leite launched a new, more modern and easier to shop store format, accelerated the digital side of the business, expanded private label offerings, grew third-party brand partnerships and the Healthy Awards loyalty program, and initiated international expansion with Vietnam. —David Moin, Footwear News, 20 May 2025 The passes can be used to earn points towards Brightline Rewards, the railroad’s new loyalty program that was launched in March. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025 Beyond their fierce loyalty to competing luxury brands, Lawrence's artsy aesthetic favors breezy fabrics and eclectic accessories, while Stewart is a fan of structured suiting, daring haircuts, and an artful mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
  1. allegiance
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. devotion
  5. fidelity
Noun
  • But the character is more of a riff on the real-life oil baron Calouste Gulbenkian, the world’s richest man at the time of his death in 1955 and a template for today’s globe-roaming magnates who pledge allegiance only to their own ambitions.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Some videos show workers raising their right fists and pledging allegiance before a Chinese flag, evidence of the ideological training that experts say is often mandatory for Uyghur workers on such job programs.
    — David Pierson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • The former — the college commitment — came a year ago.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2025
  • Cruise, though, is very determined to remind us just how much physical commitment his action work requires.
    — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • The scholarships are awarded to student caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, dedication on the golf course and exemplary character.
    — Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • Now, my devotion continues with her newest, Swept Away — a love story about two strangers who get stranded at sea together on a houseboat.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Elias may have to shake off his devotion to metrics and get back to signing people who can play baseball and stay healthy for the entire season.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • Media outlets that once extolled restraint, constitutional fidelity, and the rule of law now amplify conspiracies, attack judicial oversight, and vilify democratic processes.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • An almost-floating front cover protects the drivers and can be easily removed when needed, for sound with greater fidelity and precision.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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