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 And Levey is infinitely subtle as Dahl’s Jewish publisher, whose identity and allegiance is called into question. David Benedict, Variety, 7 May 2025 The study also found that 40% of Americans believe Asian Americans have more allegiance to their countries of origin than the U.S. — doubling since 2021. Kaitlyn Schwanemann, NBC news, 2 May 2025 Votes, many acknowledge, are often driven by professional allegiance. Clayton Davis, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025 Some of the city’s elites shifted allegiance to a Ukraine divorced from Russia – a trend Dr. Honcharuk says accelerated with the 2022 invasion. Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 29 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
  • His personal journey fuels his commitment to guiding families through the intricate landscape of financial tools and benefits available to support individuals with special needs.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Sports content is expected to remain the dominant force in securing advertiser commitments during Upfronts this year, despite growing economic uncertainty.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The dedication of a park, statue, plaque or anything else for Rose will draw a crowd in Cincinnati.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • His leadership and involvement in various organizations reflect his dedication to empowering global thinkers and contributing to the international business landscape.
    Muraly Srinarayanathas, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Medieval England was incredibly tied to religious devotion.
    Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Media outlets that once extolled restraint, constitutional fidelity, and the rule of law now amplify conspiracies, attack judicial oversight, and vilify democratic processes.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • An almost-floating front cover protects the drivers and can be easily removed when needed, for sound with greater fidelity and precision.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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