Synonym Chooser

How is the word fealty distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fealty are allegiance, devotion, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

Where would allegiance be a reasonable alternative to fealty?

While the synonyms allegiance and fealty are close in meaning, allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

In what contexts can devotion take the place of fealty?

The meanings of devotion and fealty largely overlap; however, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When could fidelity be used to replace fealty?

While in some cases nearly identical to fealty, fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

When would loyalty be a good substitute for fealty?

The words loyalty and fealty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might piety be a better fit than fealty?

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

filial piety

Examples 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 fealty Republican leaders, confronted with the unravelling of their own nominee, have only reaffirmed their fealty. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 And what room is left in the Republican Party for someone pledging less than 100% fealty to Trump and rejecting his orthodoxy on issues such as green energy and election denial? Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 This fealty to corporate progress could, in theory, be a bummer—but the Alien films have always managed to be a pretty good time. Fran Hoepfner, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024 The Mesquite District race was dominated by two issues: the airpark proposal and fealty to Beck, the champion of that idea. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fealty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty
Noun
  • New allegiances must be made, each one a threat to his principles.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • For all the bad that happened in that melee, the silver lining at times are the allegiances showing their true colors; relationships showing their true colors.
    Demetrius Patterson, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • To address the issue and restore customer loyalty, the complaint suggests that Chipotle would need to increase portion sizes, which would, in turn, raise the company’s cost of sales.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hartzell said the university is in a moment of change, but its commitment to students remains the same.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This legislation positions Pennsylvania among states at the forefront of digital asset regulation and underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in the sector while addressing critical issues like economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
    Tonya Evans, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Her personal narrative intertwines with her professional path, fueling her relentless dedication to her clients' cases.
    Tyler Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
  • In 1980, this dedication brought SCAD leaders right to the doors of the White House.
    IndieWire Staff, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Getting that experience often requires full-time devotion to a degree, moving to another city, and investing upwards of $100k.
    Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Families wait with respect and devotion for the souls to return and share the food and drink on the altar.
    Arath Zumaya Muñoz, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Yes, they are meant for mecha toy collectors, so fidelity to the host design is clearly key, but these are very much toys that are meant to be played with.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Man Without a Passport Robeson, unrepentant, paid dearly for his fidelity to the Soviet Union.
    Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near fealty

Cite this Entry

“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fealty

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!