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 Cards include your allegiance in the console wars, what your Animal Crossing character looks like, and your League of Legends profile. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026 And Palmer isn’t the only A-lister who’s declared her allegiance to the look recently. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 July 2026 Skubal was torn between his allegiance to his country and his commitment to his Tigers team. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Because this Odysseus can never really lose our allegiance and interest. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Take Martha Stewart, who is often found wearing some variation of a jacket or shirt in rugged denim—and that loyalty tracks her entire career.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And his laziness has long outstripped his loyalty to the queen.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As a press release concludes, the companies presented their partnership as the beginning of a long-term commitment, with other projects planned.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Many Farmers Union shareholders say the 25-year commitment to convey wastewater treated by the Eagle Sewer District will endanger their well-being.
    Noah Daly August 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Larter, who is known for her dedication to fitness, was seen in a black Alo sports bra with matching leggings during a workout session in a gym on the yacht.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • True loyalty, the article contends, lies in dedication to one's craft, continuous learning, and impact.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Physical restoration requires mechanical tools, but true customer devotion demands emotional sanctuary.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The store’s décor may consist of old rugs and retro light fixtures, but Tip Top’s luster comes from its devotion to customer service.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • This is one of the practice strategies READ teachers oversee, to ensure it is being implemented with fidelity and to encourage the teen leader and reader pairs on their learning journey together.
    Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Sanderson believes that the capture’s quality and fidelity also fueled some of the film’s word of mouth and will continue to do so for as long as theaters are willing to keep it.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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