FEALTIES Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fealty

noun

ˈfē(-ə)l-tē

Definition of fealty

as in allegiance

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty as much as I wanted to back my friend up, my fealty to the truth was greater, and I could not lie for him

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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

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 fealty Aldermen have effectively leased their authority to unions, which now routinely wield the council’s fealty to exert maximum leverage on Chicago businesses. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 His unwavering fealty to the president and destruction of institutional norms should disqualify him from leading the only agency with its foundation -- foundational virtue in its name. — ABC News, 7 June 2026 Aegon, reeling from his brother’s betrayal and, likely, the early stages of opiate withdrawal, refuses to pledge (pretend) fealty to the Blacks and so Larys reveals Aegon’s identity. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fealty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fealty

Noun

Beginning on that day, Mercury invites everyone - creators, agencies, executives, and follow networks - to pledge their allegiance to Independent Podcasters Day via their website.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Gabriel Zakuani, the former Peterborough United defender who made 29 appearances for DR Congo in the previous decade, played an important role in convincing Wan-Bissaka to switch international allegiance.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of allegiance

Noun

The combined airline will eventually operate under the Allegiant brand, with changes to booking, loyalty and the travel experience still ahead.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Out of loyalty to her father, Rhaenyra refuses, eventually deciding to send him north to the Wall.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Bishop Lawrence Sullivan invited the roughly 100 worshippers at the memorial’s dedication service to rise and pray.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
The Cubs are honoring his unwavering dedication by permanently affixing his name to his Section 18 seats.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
What makes these behaviors especially dangerous is that they’re often disguised as concern or devotion.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of devotion

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fear

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“Fealty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fealty. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fealty

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