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

But when al-Baghdadi announced in April 2013 that the Nusra Front would be folded into the Islamic State group, al-Sharaa refused and pledged allegiance to al-Qaida’s Ayman al-Zawahiri instead. — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Many New Yorkers who remained behind British lines during the war were not supporters of the Revolution, but in naming their son after George Washington, the Irvings declared their allegiance. — Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

During the perp walk, he could be seen wearing a hoodie that signaled his allegiance to La Chapiza, as the faction run by Los Chapitos is known. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Bowie swore her allegiance to ISIS through multiple audio recordings and conducted surveillance at the Capitol at least five times, taking dozens of photos, according to Tremaroli. — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026