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 The following year, Iraqi cities began to fall as well to an extremist Sunni Islamist offensive by fighters swearing allegiance to what would soon become ISIS. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 The attorneys said her phone content raised questions about her allegiances. Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025 His political allegiances and pronouncements have often angered opponents on either side of Argentina’s politics. Federico Perelmuter, The Dial, 13 Mar. 2025 All the while, her bluegrass and country allegiance is unmistakable. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 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
  • But both parties must take the process seriously and stick to their commitments.
    Christopher M. Worsham, Time, 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
  • Erivo closed her speech with a powerful dedication to those feeling lost and uncertain in their journeys.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Toni Kroos’ devotion to his Adidas Adipure 11s is a legend.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His mother’s devotion to Joyner’s show, which ended in 2019, made an impression on Charlamagne.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Clear and dynamic, the main frequency ranges blossomed with a fidelity not possible at the group’s two most recent local gigs at the Riviera Theatre (2014) and Aragon (2022).
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Loyalty isn’t a strong enough word of Bondi’s fidelity to Trump.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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