FIDELITY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fidelity' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fidelity are allegiance , devotion , fealty , loyalty , and piety . While all these words 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

Q: Where would 'allegiance' be a reasonable alternative to 'fidelity'?

The words allegiance and fidelity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country. // pledging allegiance

Q: When would 'devotion' be a good substitute for 'fidelity'?

While the synonyms devotion and fidelity are close in meaning, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication. // a painter's devotion to her art

Q: When can 'fealty' be used instead of 'fidelity'?

The meanings of fealty and fidelity largely overlap; however, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow. // fealty to the truth

Q: When might 'loyalty' be a better fit than 'fidelity'?

The words loyalty and fidelity can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could 'piety' be used to replace 'fidelity'?

The synonyms piety and fidelity are sometimes interchangeable, but piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental. // filial piety

fidelity

noun

fə-ˈde-lə-tē

Definition of fidelity next

as in loyalty

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty they have never wavered in their fidelity to the cause of freedom

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How is the word fidelity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fidelity are allegiance, devotion, fealty, loyalty, and piety. While all these words 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

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fidelity?

The words allegiance and fidelity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When would devotion be a good substitute for fidelity?

While the synonyms devotion and fidelity are close in meaning, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When can fealty be used instead of fidelity?

The meanings of fealty and fidelity largely overlap; however, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When might loyalty be a better fit than fidelity?

The words loyalty and fidelity can be used in similar contexts, but 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 could piety be used to replace fidelity?

The synonyms piety and fidelity are sometimes interchangeable, 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 fidelity Officials learn that survival depends less on competence than on fidelity. —

Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 The United States was founded as an experiment in propositional citizenship, the idea that a nation could be bound not by race, ethnicity, or language but by fidelity to a set of principles—liberty, equality, self-governance, and inalienable rights. —

Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026 The plot requires the tailor’s wife to introduce doubts in the fisherwoman’s mind about her affectionate man’s fidelity. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 Their idea was to create high-fidelity equipment with a contemporary Scandinavian design. —

Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fidelity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fidelity

Noun

Accountability builds safety and loyalty; shifting blame never works for long.

— Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
The Cineplex chief said data from the company’s Scene loyalty program helps target the right theaters and showtimes to reach diverse and multicultural audiences across Canada.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of loyalty

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fiddling (with)

fidelity

fidget

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“Fidelity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fidelity. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of fidelity

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