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 As China’s economy and manufacturing might have mushroomed in recent decades, U.S. dominance depended to a greater degree on its historic allegiances. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Vadik is caught between allegiances, neither as hawkish as the older members of his family nor as willing to defend the innocence of Palestinians as his daughter. Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 Madrigal has made the 115-mile round trip to BMO Stadium to see LAFC play but is considering throwing his allegiance to the local club. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Due to his allegiance to Mahan, Quevedo’s policy platform largely mirrored the types of proposals emerging from the mayor’s office. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Members of the Dunkin' Rewards loyalty program can get a 10-count Munchkins order for $2 through May 15.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Unlike President Donald Trump who seems to have the hardest time developing the finessed ways of a seasoned politician, Pritzker became a fast learner of how to overtly and covertly use his riches to buy loyalty or crush those who stand in his way.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The ability to influence others and follow through on commitments becomes more essential in the modern world.
    William Jones, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Loading your audio article In April 2024, Priscilla Chan sat on a stage during the five-year anniversary celebration for a housing initiative that she and husband Mark Zuckerberg’s philanthropy had seeded with a $50 million commitment.
    Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2025
  • This type of long-term thinking and governmental dedication is the type of action that sets up Estonia for decades of success.
    Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Waiting for a new record, without knowing if anything is coming at all, seems to have become a primary act of their devotion.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 1 May 2025
  • Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The movement is impressively responsive and snappy, and the designs, though dated compared with modern graphical fidelity, look great thanks to the art style and flashy effects.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Churchill emphasized that while the decision may disappoint some supporters, it was made in the interest of long-term sustainability and mission fidelity.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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