ALLEGIANCE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

allegiance

noun

ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s

Definition of allegiance

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

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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 government argued that allegiance was critical in determining citizenship for children of immigrants. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 Beginning on that day, Mercury invites everyone - creators, agencies, executives, and follow networks - to pledge their allegiance to Independent Podcasters Day via their website. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Beijing — For years, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pushed ethnic minority groups like Tibetans and Uyghurs to adopt an identity rooted in Chinese nationality and allegiance to the ruling Communist Party. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 Gabriel Zakuani, the former Peterborough United defender who made 29 appearances for DR Congo in the previous decade, played an important role in convincing Wan-Bissaka to switch international allegiance. — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for allegiance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance

Noun

The combined airline will eventually operate under the Allegiant brand, with changes to booking, loyalty and the travel experience still ahead.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Out of loyalty to her father, Rhaenyra refuses, eventually deciding to send him north to the Wall.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of loyalty

Noun

Bishop Lawrence Sullivan invited the roughly 100 worshippers at the memorial’s dedication service to rise and pray.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
The Cubs are honoring his unwavering dedication by permanently affixing his name to his Section 18 seats.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of dedication

Noun

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
What makes these behaviors especially dangerous is that they’re often disguised as concern or devotion.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026

Definition of devotion

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alleges

allegiance

alleging

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“Allegiance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allegiance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of allegiance

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