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

Relevance

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 Allies of the president have mocked Dooley’s lack of experience, questioned his Republican credentials, and accused Kemp of putting personal loyalty above party unity in a must-win race. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025 Through community and cultural engagement, brands can deepen consumer loyalty by immersing sneakers into social rituals such as run clubs, fandoms and collaborations that prioritize belonging. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 July 2025 Venus in Leo wants fun, boldness, and loyalty in your friendships. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 July 2025 Members of the Popeyes Rewards loyalty program get a free 6-piece order of Spicy Bone-In Wings with any wings order online or in the Popeyes app. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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 moment comes on the heels of Clark’s now-viral Nike ad comment aimed at Kelsey Plum, a subtle but effective reminder of just how visible brand allegiances have become across the league.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
  • Lunn’s brand of reform disrupted the corrupt and complacent, empowered talent without regard to political allegiance, and relentlessly focused on the common good of his constituents.
    — Time, Time, 22 July 2025
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • The approval came after Skydance and its investment partner, RedBird Capital, assured the FCC of their commitment to unbiased journalism that represents diverse viewpoints.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • The brothers convinced Bollea to try wrestling and connected him with trainer Hiro Matsuda, who according to lore broke Bollea’s leg in an apparent test of his commitment to the sport.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • Duckworth encourages readers to cultivate long-term dedication to their goals, overcome setbacks, and maintain a growth mindset to achieve excellence.
    — Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Soliman's case has attracted wide attention since about 75 supporters held a press conference about his case just after his arrest: Local parents and medical professionals have been writing the immigration court, extolling his dedication to sick children.
    — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • His efforts, Suzuki added, required utter and total devotion.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.
    — Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump pledged fidelity to gun rights groups and the Second Amendment.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • His approach to the book project was to marry the factual fidelity required of an official battalion history with a novelistic evocation of life on the front.
    — Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
Definition of fidelity

Browse Nearby Words

loyalists
loyalty
lozenge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyalty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyalty. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalty

Nglish: Translation of loyalty for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All