allegiance

noun

al·le·giance ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s

plural allegiances

Synonyms of allegiance

: the obligation of a feudal vassal to a liege lord

: the fidelity owed by a subject, citizen, or noncitizen resident to a sovereign or government

We pledge allegiance to our country.

: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

allegiance to a political party

allegiant

ə-ˈlē-jənt

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for allegiance

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of allegiance in a Sentence

He owes allegiance to them for all the help they have given him. Both candidates are working hard to convince voters to switch allegiances.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

When the subject has refused allegiance, and the officer has resigned from office, then the revolution is accomplished. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Brazilian political scientist Jairo Nicolau, who studies presidential elections, said one of the most striking features of this year's contest was the rigidity of Brazilians' political allegiances. — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 Now Dallas Cowboy fans can wear their allegiance on their feet thanks to Stance, which is the latest company to sign a licensing deal with the National Football League. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 For her time with Smith, Lipa continued her allegiance to Chanel for just about every occasion. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegiance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aligeaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French alleggeance, alter. (by addition of the verbal prefix a-, going back to Latin ad- ad-) of ligeance, from lige, liege liege entry 1 + -ance -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of allegiance was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Allegheny vine

allegiance

allegiant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allegiance. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

allegiance

noun

al·le·giance ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s

: loyalty and obedience owed to one's country or government

: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause

allegiance

noun

Synonyms of allegiance

Examples of allegiance in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Pyrrhic

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes