allegiance

noun

al·​le·​giance ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s 

plural allegiances

1

a

: the obligation of a feudal vassal to a liege lord

b

: the fidelity owed by a subject, citizen, or noncitizen resident to a sovereign or government

We pledge allegiance to our country.

2

: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

allegiance to a political party

allegiant

ə-ˈlē-jənt 

adjective

Synonyms of allegiance

• loyalty
• commitment
• dedication
• devotion
• fidelity

Choose the Right Synonym for allegiance

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of allegiance in a Sentence

He owes allegiance to them for all the help they have given him.

Both candidates are working hard to convince voters to switch allegiances.

Recent Examples on the Web

That is a recipe for political disruption that defies classic lines between Republicans and Democrats and between conservatives and liberals − particularly among younger voters who have less history with and allegiance to either party. —Susan Page, USA Today, 12 Jan. 2026

There is perhaps no other case in which the Justices will need to lay their allegiances as bare as in that one. —Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026

Iwobi, nephew of former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha, played for England at under-16 and under-17 levels before switching allegiance. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Virunga's forests are also believed to have been used as a hideout by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aligeaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French alleggeance, alter. (by addition of the verbal prefix a-, going back to Latin ad- ad-) of ligeance, from lige, liege liege entry 1 + -ance -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

allegiance

noun

al·​le·​giance ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s 

1

: loyalty and obedience owed to one's country or government

2

: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause