Synonyms of allegiance

allegiance

noun

ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s 

as in loyalty

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty

torn between his allegiance to his native country and the opportunities a sports career in the U.S. could offer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loyalty
• commitment
• dedication
• devotion
• fidelity
• fealty
• faithfulness
• steadfastness
• attachment
• faith
• adhesion
• piety
• constancy
• affection
• troth
• devotedness
• fastness
• fondness
• resolution
• determination
• dependability
• reliability
• firmness
• trustworthiness
• trustiness
• trustability

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disloyalty
• treachery
• falsity
• perfidy
• inconstancy
• faithlessness
• infidelity
• unfaithfulness
• falseness
• alienation
• separation
• disaffection
• perfidiousness
• estrangement

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

Recent Examples of allegiance

Kramer is accused of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State of Syria and arming himself to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Cannon’s run remains the high or low point, depending on your school allegiance. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The crowd at Melbourne Cricket Ground certainly had a mix of allegiance. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Linnetz’s allegiance has always been to a good story, and his experiences up until now have been a collection point. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026