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 Shifting between cultures and ideologies, Nguyen’s novel is a brilliant study of ambiguity, ideology, and fractured allegiance—ideal reading for leaders navigating divided worlds. Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Our allegiance to the song and to the fans is bigger than our fear of anything outside of that. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025 Win McNamee—Getty Images Blackburn’s allegiance to Trump As mentioned, the MAGA Republican has a strong connection to the President and served on the executive committee of his transition team during his first presidential term. Solcyré Burga, Time, 6 Aug. 2025 Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Finally, leaders need to separate loyalty from flattery.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Professor Lucas Walsh, a youth expert at Monash University, told Newsweek that baby boomers' memories of the Cold War may help explain their stronger sympathy for Ukraine, while Gen Z's political loyalties are more fragmented.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Without such a commitment from his allies, Zelensky has argued that Ukraine cannot agree to any peace deal, because it would be based on little more than Putin’s word.
    Simon Shuster, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
  • However, success requires both technical expertise and a commitment to continuing to learn and grow as a leader, developing emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and business acumen.
    Mary Elizabeth Bradford, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Your support and dedication to the television industry are invaluable, and I am truly humbled by your acknowledgment.
    Anne Easton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The younger Chávez has battled drug addiction for much of his boxing career, failing drug tests, serving suspensions and egregiously missing weight while being widely criticized for his intermittent dedication to the sport.
    Fabiola Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The meal was episodic, patterned, refusing the very concept of climax in its devotion to the moment.
    Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Women’s tennis remains the epicenter of the issue Tennis has always inspired a level of devotion to its stars, and no other sport has as many female icons.
    Carson Kessler, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The second trip was in 2000, when the society was still relatively small, as a gesture of fidelity to Rome despite then-standing excommunications against their bishops.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025
  • So Netflix decided to make a live-action version, which received critical and popular acclaim, particularly for its fidelity to the source material.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

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