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 About 250 people accepted the city of Orlando's invitation to tour the building where Omar Mateen, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others during a Latin Night celebration at the popular LGBTQIA+ club on June 12, 2016. Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 11 June 2025 The feud has also created divisions within conservative circles and Silicon Valley, as stakeholders reassess their allegiances in light of the schism between two influential figures. Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 In a city where allegiance and proximity to power is everything, the leader’s closest adviser portrayed himself as an outsider. Jim Waterson, semafor.com, 6 June 2025 With the streets of The Chi in turmoil, Reg’s comeback sets the stage for high-stakes drama and shifting allegiances. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Moreover, a unified brand identity not only enables greater recognition but also helps build trust, gain loyalty, and, as a result, increase conversions.
    Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • There’s a smarter, more future-facing loyalty model: one that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) signals directly into how customers are scored, segmented, and rewarded.
    Gabriele Buffo, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Leaders set the tone, so showing inclusion and commitment will encourage team members to follow suit.
    Simone E. Morris, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Republican senators praised her leadership, especially her commitment to rolling back Biden-era regulations and guidance on gender-identity rights, which Lucas has argued overstepped the commission's authority.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • His dedication to public service and his ability to bring a smile to others remain lasting parts of his legacy.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
  • Years of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creative growth are paying off for actor Ramón Rodríguez, whose hard work over the past two decades has paved the way for a breakthrough moment in his Hollywood journey.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • To be fair, fellow-Sikhs also infer devotion and discipline, although these are neither the only readings nor the most common.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Each viewing reveals a deeper understanding and devotion to Lamb and his motley crew.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Anyone with even a basic understanding of the movie industry of the 1930s, let alone a Hollywood mogul, would know the difficulty of adapting it to the screen with any semblance of fidelity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • Unlike other sharks that roam vast distances, great hammerheads display strong site fidelity to certain coastal habitats, particularly during juvenile stages.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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