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 But Colbert insisted that viewers take their allegiance to the former Apprentice host a step further. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025 Her only confidante in the office is Tisha (Myha’la) who, when the going later gets bad, shows her true allegiances to keeping her own reputation intact. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025 No matter the allegiance in the American League West, all eyes will be on the upcoming series in Houston over the weekend. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 Yet the gun industry continues to manufacture millions of new guns a year, and conservative right-wing lawmakers continue to pledge allegiance to guns and not to their constituents who are being slaughtered with them. Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Trump claimed Comey mishandled a 2016 probe into Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s private email server, but Comey also refused to pledge loyalty to the president.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These sailings are ideal for first-time cruisers to sample the experience without a long commitment.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • For all the government’s rhetoric and commitment to a decades-old revolution, Cubans see a much-vaunted medical system that is failing, unable to provide drugs, procedures — or even electricity.
    Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Eve Lom’s dedication to meaningful connection is exemplified through its partnership with the renowned actress Li Qin.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • His dedication goes beyond athletics, Alec is known for being friendly, encouraging, and supportive of all students and their interests.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Amorim may turn the rising tide; a Premier League wins list which only includes six of the current top-flight teams may quickly expand; a playing system currently receiving devotion without much sign of deserving it may soon bear fruit.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • She was asked to write about her devotion to Jesus, and her works were published after her death.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new photonic router capable of directing quantum information with over 99% fidelity, a key benchmark for the construction of a future quantum internet.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The graphical fidelity adds to the horror, as the fear and terror that takes over Hinako's face during cutscenes is spine-tingling.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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