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 next

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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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 In videos posted on his Facebook page just hours before the attack, Jabbar had announced his ISIS allegiance and deadly intent. —

Ailia Zehra, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025 The bar/hotel has played host to Western New Yorkers as well as British and international fans with an allegiance to Buffalo. —

Richard Deitsch, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 One sheet of paper is peppered with pledges of allegiance to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and of victory in battle. —

Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025 The Catholic Church challenges its faithful to transcend partisan allegiances and live out a radical, sacrificial faith. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for allegiance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for allegiance

Noun

Drake also commended his Her Loss rap partner, 21 Savage, for his unwavering loyalty during the contentious feud before ultimately blitzing Budden.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
These include signing up for an airline's loyalty program, bidding for an upgrade online, or simply asking for one in person.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025