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 Trump administration argues that U.S.-born children of noncitizens owe allegiance to a different country. —Jean Lantz Reisz, The Conversation, 12 May 2025 Many are already speculating on the new pontiff's political allegiances after taking the mantle as the spiritual leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics on Thursday to global fanfare. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Many have poked fun at the viral moment, jokingly expressing their allegiance with the disgruntled canine. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 While many of the discussion topics will be similar to those of other leagues’ CBA talks, the dynamics are different because of where fans’ allegiances lie within the sport. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for allegiance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance
  1. loyalty
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. devotion
  5. fidelity
Noun
  • Customers saw how reliable and stylish the existing products were, their dedication elevated loyalty to the emerging brand.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The initiative is targeting a lucrative demographic: adults aged 25–44 from upper-middle-class backgrounds, who demonstrate long-term loyalty and a willingness to consume horror and fantasy content across multiple formats.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 21 May 2025
Definition of loyalty
Noun
  • The former — the college commitment — came a year ago.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 May 2025
  • Cruise, though, is very determined to remind us just how much physical commitment his action work requires.
    — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of commitment
Noun
  • The guide is in line with the Space System Protection Standard, which summarizes NASA's continuous dedication to supporting the creation of exact cybersecurity standards for its space systems.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The scholarships are awarded to student caddies who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, dedication on the golf course and exemplary character.
    — Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of dedication
Noun
  • Now, my devotion continues with her newest, Swept Away — a love story about two strangers who get stranded at sea together on a houseboat.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Elias may have to shake off his devotion to metrics and get back to signing people who can play baseball and stay healthy for the entire season.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • Media outlets that once extolled restraint, constitutional fidelity, and the rule of law now amplify conspiracies, attack judicial oversight, and vilify democratic processes.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • An almost-floating front cover protects the drivers and can be easily removed when needed, for sound with greater fidelity and precision.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 16 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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