Definition of allegiancenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word allegiance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of allegiance are devotion, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, and piety. While all these words mean "faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty," allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

When might devotion be a better fit than allegiance?

While the synonyms devotion and allegiance are close in meaning, devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

When would fealty be a good substitute for allegiance?

Although the words fealty and allegiance have much in common, fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

When could fidelity be used to replace allegiance?

The words fidelity and allegiance can be used in similar contexts, but fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

In what contexts can loyalty take the place of allegiance?

The words loyalty and allegiance 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 can piety be used instead of allegiance?

The meanings of piety and allegiance largely overlap; however, 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 allegiance Roper acts out this realization about [Teddy’s allegiance]. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026 Enter the statement pin, which stars wear to show their allegiance to a cause and spread awareness while still attending to their professional obligations, and ideally using the attendant attention for a greater purpose. Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026 Business big and small have closed their doors Friday and even production on Grey’s Anatomy has closed down in allegiance. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026 After a relatively quiet beginning to the year sitting alone in her tower, just honing her powers — and yes, dancing the night away at the Grammys and making her second Super Bowl appearance — Taylor Swift called upon us to pledge allegiance to her hands, her team and her vibes in 2025. Denise Warner, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • An ordinary bettor may be guided by team loyalty, intuition, or emotion—Walters was governed by dispassionate information.
    Dan Piepenbring, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Confederate sympathizers carved up the old design, claiming the red-and-white Crossland pattern to signal rebellion loyalty.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Luge, like all Olympic sports, requires an unwavering commitment to achieve success.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The fun of Novocaine is in watching Quaid's commitment to the bit as the film pushes its premise to the extreme.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fortunately, Rushdie’s beloved wife, fellow writer and multidisciplinary artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths, was on hand with a fierce dedication and a new camera.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Harp said Keane’s dedication to her role was unmatched.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But after Barnes shared footage of the birds cuddling in a nest box, chasing off rivals, and committing to each other with unmistakable devotion, the internet quickly embraced the unlikely couple as feathery rom-com leads.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Teddy, meanwhile, has gone all in on his devotion to Jonathan, while still playing the dutiful son for Roper.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lilies symbolize promise, passion, life and fidelity.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Officials learn that survival depends less on competence than on fidelity.
    Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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