Synonyms of allegiance

allegiance

noun

ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s 

as in loyalty

adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty

torn between his allegiance to his native country and the opportunities a sports career in the U.S. could offer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loyalty
• commitment
• dedication
• devotion
• fidelity
• fealty
• faithfulness
• steadfastness
• attachment
• faith
• adhesion
• piety
• constancy
• affection
• troth
• devotedness
• fastness
• fondness
• resolution
• determination
• dependability
• reliability
• firmness
• trustworthiness
• trustiness
• trustability

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disloyalty
• treachery
• falsity
• perfidy
• inconstancy
• faithlessness
• infidelity
• unfaithfulness
• falseness
• alienation
• separation
• disaffection
• perfidiousness
• estrangement

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

Recent Examples of allegiance

The secondhand market reflects some of Ireland’s cultural inflection points: An allegiance to sport with racks of vintage O’Neills in every color to inspire your inner Connell, romantic skirts and bold costume jewelry that speak to the poets and writers that have made the island famous. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025

Veterans, with their security clearances and allegiance to U.S. interests, offer a secure, compliant, and reliable alternative to offshore talent. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

He’s left with Chrissy and Mitch, who have little allegiance to him. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025

Unlike many others in Indiana who rooted for in-state schools Indiana, Purdue or Notre Dame, Smith didn’t have an allegiance to one program. —Tim Casey, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025