loyalty

[ loi-uhl-tee ]

noun

, plural loy·al·ties.

1. the state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commitments or obligations.
2. faithful adherence to a sovereign, government, leader, cause, etc.

   Synonyms: constancy, devotion, fealty

3. an example or instance of faithfulness, adherence, or the like:

   a man with fierce loyalties.

loyalty

/ ˈlɔɪəltɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being loyal
2. often plural a feeling of allegiance

Other Words From

• non·loyal·ty noun plural nonloyalties
• over·loyal·ty noun plural overloyalties
• un·loyal·ty noun plural unloyalties

Word History and Origins

Origin of loyalty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English loialte, from Middle French. See loyal, -ty ²

Synonym Study

Loyalty, allegiance, fidelity all imply a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to something or someone. Loyalty connotes sentiment and the feeling of devotion that one holds for one's country, creed, family, friends, etc. Allegiance applies particularly to a citizen's duty to their country, or, by extension, one's obligation to support a party, cause, leader, etc. Fidelity implies unwavering devotion and allegiance to a person, principle, etc

Example Sentences

“It may be a direct loyalty test from the president.”

From Los Angeles Times

The announcement shocked even members of Congress whose lockstep loyalty to the president-elect is otherwise unquestioned.

From Los Angeles Times

Hegseth’s loyalty is significant, because Trump has previously demonstrated willingness to extend his decision-making reach into matters traditionally left to Pentagon leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

The former president’s longest-serving chief of staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly, made waves with a series of interviews in which he disclosed that Trump spoke wistfully of the loyalty of Hitler’s Nazi generals, and said he believed that Trump’s views aligned with “the general definition of fascist.”

From Los Angeles Times

He added that Trump probably appointed Gaetz to reward him for his loyalty.

From Salon

Related Words

• adherence
• allegiance
• devotion
• faith
• fealty
• fidelity
• honesty
• honor
• integrity
• obedience
• patriotism
• reliability
• sincerity
• support
• tie
• trustworthiness