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 Cocktail stirrers are quite easy to find in various allegiances, from Dawgs to Eagles, online. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025 Her loyalty and allegiance will be with the Grants. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Jones said both Wei and his mother were anti-communist and held no allegiance to China. Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025 Jones said both Wei and his mother were anti-communist and held no allegiance to China. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Papers paired with flower or pre-rolls can drive incremental sales and encourage brand loyalty.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But this long-term commitment is a big move from both parties.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In 2018, the Heat captured the NBA’s inaugural Inclusion Leadership Award for the franchise’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because of his dedication to the center, Marshall became its namesake in 2023.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Yet, Aramayo’s sensitive portrayal of the man and Jones’ unflinching dedication to showing some of Davidson’s most painful moments, the ones that pushed him into action, add up to an insightful biopic that chronicles a very worthy subject.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Through countless binges and marathons, the NBC sitcom has built up a fan devotion that borders on religious.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • For the occasion, de Caunes revives one of his popular characters, a diehard redneck rock ’n’ roll fan whose taste for tall tales is matched only by his genuine devotion to music.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • My own experience has taught me that fidelity, forgiveness, and faithfulness within families yield deep, enduring peace.
    Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • To write one’s way out of the incapacitating dependence of daughterhood into autonomy means shedding the unquestioning fidelity of a child.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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