loyalty

noun

loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
Synonyms of loyaltynext
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal
the loyalty of the team's fans
Choose the Right Synonym for loyalty

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of loyalty in a Sentence

the loyalty of the team's fans there was no denying that dog's loyalty to his master
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The company is more inoculated than others to take these positions because of fierce customer and employee loyalty to the brand, analysts say. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 Science aside, a batch of these will win over any chocolate lover, regardless of where their brownie loyalties lie. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026 When Williams was hired at an eye-popping salary of $350,000, critics said Trantalis and Glassman were buying her loyalty. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 Bilt Rewards points transfer to 23 airline and hotel loyalty programs, and this ability is available to all Bilt Rewards members. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalty

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English leawte, lewte, from Anglo-French lealté, leauté, from leal, leial loyal

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalty was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalty. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

loyalty

noun
loy·​al·​ty ˈlȯi(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce loyalty (audio)
plural loyalties
: the quality or state of being loyal

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

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