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

Examples 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 As their romance inches towards its predictable conclusion, the more intriguing characters who populate Primeval’s periphery—where a web of allegiances, compromises, and betrayals echoes our current state of sociopolitical chaos—fade into a fog of gunpowder. Judy Berman, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025 Psycho Bunny is showing its allegiance to the sport of tennis. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025 Even governments closely aligned with the United States are becoming more independent and entrepreneurial in their geopolitical allegiances. Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 But Perreault has left no doubt over where his allegiance lies. Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for allegiance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
Noun
  • They are being educated mostly in Mandarin and indoctrinated with official Chinese values of loyalty and patriotism.
    Chris Buckley, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Unilever’s commitment to sustainability offers a similar lesson of reducing plastic waste while boosting loyalty and brand reputation.
    Michael Shribman, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Her experience, leadership acuity, passion for students and commitment to the craft of teaching will benefit our school community for years to come.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The show’s focus on relatable human challenges, even within the competitive world of elite sports, aligns well with Yle’s commitment to deliver engaging and thought-provoking content.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This initiative reflects Dixon’s dedication to fostering personal growth and uplifting his community.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This dedication to sustainability is a key differentiator, appealing to environmentally conscious businesses and educational institutions looking to minimize their carbon footprint.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • More on culture On Broadway, mothers are usually either objects of devotion or monsters.
    Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Within five lines, the bridge incorporates a hymnal, pledges undying devotion and solidifies a spiritual quality to the relationship that had been seeded earlier.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sequences are recreated with shot-for-shot fidelity.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Refining these models in terms of fidelity and accuracy is part of the Sim-to-Real revolution in physical AI implementations.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near allegiance

Cite this Entry

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allegiance

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