allegiance

noun

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al·le·giance | \ ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s

Definition of allegiance

1a : the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord

b(1) : the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government I pledge allegiance to my country.

(2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides

2 : devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause allegiance to a political party

Other Words from allegiance Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about allegiance

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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 The second was the stuff of dreams or nightmares, depending on one’s allegiance. — Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2021 Cassidy said Biden’s plan spent too much money on education, blaming schools not being open on Democratic allegiance to teachers’ unions. — Author: Erica Werner, Jeff Stein, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Jan. 2021 With Hello Alice’s allegiance being to the new majority - people of color, women, immigrants, anyone identifying as LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities - their mission remains deeply rooted in providing access. — Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 21 May 2021 The analyst is appointed by the Legislature, but his allegiance is to facts and truth. — George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 Quite frankly, after what happened on Jan. 6, stating that allegiance is unacceptable. — NBC News, 14 May 2021 Many Republicans also agree with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who’s said the allegiance many GOP voters have to Trump is so intense that the party can’t succeed without him. — Alan Fram And Kevin Freking, chicagotribune.com, 12 May 2021 Many Republicans also agree with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who’s said the allegiance many GOP voters have to Trump is so intense that the party can’t succeed without him. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2021 Many Republicans consider a turn away from Trump to be political suicide and agree with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who’s said the allegiance many GOP voters have to the former president is so intense that the party can’t succeed without him. — BostonGlobe.com, 12 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allegiance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.