allegiance

noun

ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s How to pronounce allegiance (audio)
Definition of allegiancenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
  1. loyalty
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. devotion
  5. fidelity
Noun
  • Republicans tried to recast the contest as a chance for Trump’s base to come out and show their loyalty to him and push back against judges Trump claims treat him and his administration unfairly.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
  • After all, Trump has proven in the past that his loyalty is conditional.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of loyalty
Noun
  • This year’s program reflects the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and championing artists who challenge, inspire, and innovate.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This partnership not only cements Woods' connection to the Masters but also underscores his commitment to giving back to the community through education and golf.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • His father, an attorney of Irish immigrant descent, worked tirelessly while his mother managed their household of six children with the same dedication.
    — Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That demands real action, dedication, and daily commitment.
    — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • The first 20 years of my career were at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH), and my devotion was to the practice of medicine, caring for the critically ill and provide lifesaving opportunity to those in need of cardiac transplantation.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But Frank's loyalty to the fans bred a reciprocal devotion that could turn dark.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of devotion
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
Definition of fidelity

Browse Nearby Words

alleges
allegiance
alleging
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Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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