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 The hotel is not yet part of any loyalty or credit card reward programs. —Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025 Critics, including some veterans, say the parade amounts to little more than a wasteful display of personal loyalty to Trump. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025 And Americans tend to remain devoted to their smartphone platform of choice, as iOS and Android both see customer loyalty rates at above 90%, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reported in 2023. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 June 2025 This strategic alignment, with a focus on a seamless customer experience, fuels revenue growth, strengthens customer loyalty, cuts churn and positions the business for success. —Julie Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyalty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyalty
  1. allegiance
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. devotion
  5. fidelity
Noun
  • With the streets of The Chi in turmoil, Reg’s comeback sets the stage for high-stakes drama and shifting allegiances.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025
  • Harvard’s dishonest expert on honesty is a poignant symbol of a far larger problem in academia: ideological allegiance replacing the quest for truth.
    — Andrew Follett, National Review, 31 May 2025
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • In other words, educate yourself about how things work before making any real commitment to it.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Hemingway plays Dorothy Stratten, the Playboy Playmate turned actor who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband and manager, played with psychotic commitment by Eric Roberts.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 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
  • Though devotion plays an important role in how Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, there is also room to come together and have fun.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • This timepiece represents an unshakeable vision, fusing MR-G’s commitment to ultimate strength and beauty with the Zen devotion to contemplating one’s own nature and an integrated worldview of serenity.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • Unfortunately, despite this game being a Switch 2 launch title, not enough time and care were taken in increasing the graphical fidelity of the enemies and some of the main characters.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Pretty impressive leap in fidelity for a point release!
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 June 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 18 Jun. 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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

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

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
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
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All