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 April Fools' Day deals and specials A few companies are passing on pranks and giving their customers deals or specials: Burger King: Members of its Royal Perks loyalty program get a free order of any size onion rings with their purchase of $1 or more on Tuesday. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 As the dust settles, the mayor finds himself in a vulnerable position politically after weathering months of criticism from progressive allies and moderate opponents alike that his primary loyalty is to the CTU, not Chicago taxpayers or CPS families. —Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 The person is observed tagging or using graffitti to mark territory and show loyalty to TDA (2 points). —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 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 Spaniard made the move after winning the 2023 Masters, which changed his thinking about switching allegiances.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Across the nation more and more Hispanic—and to some extent Black voters—are switching allegiance the Republicans.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • This year’s program reflects the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and championing artists who challenge, inspire, and innovate.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This partnership not only cements Woods' connection to the Masters but also underscores his commitment to giving back to the community through education and golf.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • His father, an attorney of Irish immigrant descent, worked tirelessly while his mother managed their household of six children with the same dedication.
    — Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That demands real action, dedication, and daily commitment.
    — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • The first 20 years of my career were at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH), and my devotion was to the practice of medicine, caring for the critically ill and provide lifesaving opportunity to those in need of cardiac transplantation.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But Frank's loyalty to the fans bred a reciprocal devotion that could turn dark.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • Clear and dynamic, the main frequency ranges blossomed with a fidelity not possible at the group’s two most recent local gigs at the Riviera Theatre (2014) and Aragon (2022).
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Loyalty isn’t a strong enough word of Bondi’s fidelity to Trump.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of loyalty for Spanish Speakers

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