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 His son immediately became king and last week took an oath of allegiance to Norway’s constitution in parliament. ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 Many Mexicans agree with their president that the reform secures allegiance. Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Sep. 2026 According to them, Trump’s policies on tariffs, aid, and allies have eroded the United States’ standing, opening the door for people across the world to switch their allegiance to China. Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026 Hailey Bieber is a fan of Medicube’s Booster Skin Care Device, but her allegiance to the brand doesn’t end there. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Arguably, most Russian elites have not obeyed the Kremlin out of deep loyalty or ideological alignment throughout Putin’s long reign.
    MICHAEL KIMMAGE, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026
  • While traditional search engine optimization (SEO) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) loyalty programs remain vital, a brilliant new digital landscape is opening up.
    Narendra Lakshmana Gowda, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Even those inside Newcastle United were questioning the commitment and focus of some of their star players last season, when a staggering 27 points were dropped from winning positions.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Tim Gray, one of Variety’s managing editors at the time and now executive VP of the Golden Globes, said his main recollection was of the staff’s dedication.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Officials called the dedication the first step in an ambitious process to improve the Tennessee airport near Parton’s final resting place.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The British media devoured the story, as even then Day-Lewis was synonymous with intense devotion to his craft.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As Anna covers for Fyodor’s addiction and increasingly unstable professional behavior, her devotion starts to look poisonous for them both.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Labor Day Headphones Deals Apple’s AirPods Max 2 deliver an exceptional combination of high-fidelity acoustics and pro-grade active noise cancellation.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The technology has evolved so much in terms of the visual fidelity, filmmaker control, the ability to generate audio, and the length of a film that is possible.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster