loyal

loy·al

adjective \ˈlȯi(-ə)l\

Definition of LOYAL

1

: unswerving in allegiance: as

a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government

b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due

c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product

2

: showing loyalty

3

obsolete : lawful, legitimate

— loy·al·ly \ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of LOYAL

1. The team has many loyal fans.
2. She has provided the company with many years of loyal service.

Origin of LOYAL

Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal

First Known Use: 1531

Related to LOYAL

Synonyms

constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, faithful, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue

Antonyms

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue

Related Words

dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty; unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; determined, intent, resolute; confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn; ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious

Near Antonyms

irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy; faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering; dubious, irresolute, shaky, uncertain; apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

See Synonym Discussion at faithful

Rhymes with LOYAL

boil, broil, coil, foil, moil, oil, royal, soil, spoil, toil