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 This seemingly lighthearted anecdote reflects the way Americans thrive on emotional allegiance, whether to a person, leader, team or party. Sunita Sah, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025 Zoom out: Personal relationships can make a difference at a time when allegiances are changing and limits — off Alaska's coast, across Europe, in the South China Sea — are tested. Colin Demarest, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025 The American must decide whether her allegiance can continue to lie with money and power. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Our justice system and many of those in federal service have been forced not to allegiance to the American public but allegiance to the whims of a budding dictator. Peter Buonome, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • Customers can gain betting bonuses and discounts through this loyalty program.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • And always sign up for free hotel loyalty programs to get additional perks.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even while boards are voting against anti-DEI polices this quarter, the stakes of losing FCC approval for its merger with Skydance appear to outweigh any commitments to DEI.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Their strong commitment to creating content that resonates with audiences mirrors our own mission.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Not just for the exceptional wines, but for these supremely authentic interactions that are born from an unfailing dedication to the land.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Even Sam Star’s mother, a deeply southern woman who has a fearsome dedication to her child, is a revolutionary figure right now.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These men shower their wives with praise, heartfelt captions and picture-perfect moments, creating an image of unwavering devotion.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • One, more light-hearted story is about the deity Krishna — whose skin was blue — and his love Radha, the goddess of love and devotion.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This ThinkPad's screen quality, audio fidelity, and other user conveniences earn it our Editors' Choice award.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
  • To the surprise of no one, last-gen consoles were left behind, allowing the developers of Borderlands 4 to work on and apply bigger innovations beyond graphical fidelity.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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