allegiance
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for allegiance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use allegiance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pledge allegiance
swear allegiance
shift allegiance
allegiance to the crown
Etymology
From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege."
Full origin of allegiance →Frequently asked questions
What does “allegiance” mean?
The word “allegiance” means loyalty or duty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group. In plain terms, loyal support and commitment to something, especially a country, ruler, or organisation.
How do you pronounce “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is pronounced uh-LEE-juhns (/əˈliː.d͡ʒəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “allegiance” in a sentence?
Here is “allegiance” used in a sentence: “New citizens swear an oath of allegiance to the country.”
What part of speech is “allegiance”?
“Allegiance” is a noun.
Where does the word “allegiance” come from?
The word “allegiance” comes from Old French. From Old French ligeance, describing the loyalty a vassal owed to his lord — the root also survives in the word "liege.".
Is “allegiance” a common word?
“Allegiance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "allegiance" and "loyalty"?
"Allegiance" specifically refers to a duty or loyalty owed to a country, leader, cause, or group, often with a formal or sworn quality, as in a pledge of allegiance. "Loyalty" is a broader term that can apply to relationships or friendships without necessarily implying a formal obligation.
Do you say "allegiance to" or "allegiance with"?
"Allegiance to" is the correct and standard construction, as in "allegiance to one's country." "Allegiance with" is not idiomatic usage.
What is a common phrase using "allegiance"?
A well-known example is the "Pledge of Allegiance," a formal statement of loyalty to a country, which illustrates how the word typically describes duty owed to a nation, leader, or cause.
