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 Thaksin denies the allegations and has repeatedly pledged allegiance to the crown. USA Today, 2 July 2025 Regardless of allegiance, anyone watching Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday had to be struck by the calamitous impact of the injury to superstar Tyrese Haliburton on the Indiana Pacers. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 The two men allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and had become radicalized over the internet. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025 There’s also a triangle with Stella being in the center — Stanley and Blanche pulling at the allegiance of Stella. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • At the checkout and after entering your Kroger loyalty ID or scanning a loyalty card, shoppers can scan a barcode on the flyer that downloads all the Weekly Digital Deals offered that week at once to the customer's loyalty card.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 8 July 2025
  • The luxury hotel titans appearing on this year’s list of readers’ favorite hotel brands have earned the admiration and loyalty of T+L readers by surpassing expectations at every turn, from top-tier accommodations to personalized service that makes every guest feel at home.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world.
    Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • The State Department did not respond to requests by ABC News for the current data on its assistance commitments to Sudan after foreign aid freezes and layoffs.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Duckworth encourages readers to cultivate long-term dedication to their goals, overcome setbacks, and maintain a growth mindset to achieve excellence.
    Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Soliman's case has attracted wide attention since about 75 supporters held a press conference about his case just after his arrest: Local parents and medical professionals have been writing the immigration court, extolling his dedication to sick children.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Wealth is a draw for the rich and poor alike, a capitalist paradise rooted in fervent belief and devotion.
    Emi Eleode, Time, 14 July 2025
  • The crackdown often intensifies around sensitive dates – especially his birthday – but devotion to the spiritual leader has quietly endured.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Of course, a gaming monitor would easily increase your graphical fidelity, budget allowing.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 24 June 2025
  • The company put out a remake of The Wind Waker in 2013 for the Wii U, which included — among other things — a bump in fidelity to glorious HD.
    Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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