Definition of loyalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

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 loyal Undisguised at last, and with help from Athena, Telemachus, and a few loyal servants, Odysseus kills them all, a hundred and eight men. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 The stores attracted loyal customers. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026 What Veena says happened on that trip would lead her to cut ties with Baer and create a divide among his loyal network of followers. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 20 June 2026 The Olay Regenerist line has tons of loyal users with products like the Regenerating Serum and Vitamin C Moisturizer. Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • The Federal Reserve’s steadfast period of low interest rates in the 2000s was criticized as contributing to a housing bubble in the 2000s, followed by the mortgage crisis of 2007 and the Great Recession the following year.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 22 June 2026
  • With the almighty Sun highlighting your 7th House of Partnership, commitments benefit from structure that includes realistic timelines and steadfast follow-through.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Frama’s shelving unit extends your staunch Brutalist design mindset to the bathroom.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026
  • Since splitting from OpenAI to start Anthropic in 2021, Amodei and his top executives have been staunch advocates for AI regulation and have supported legislation at both state and federal levels.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina’s faithful — who comprised the vocal majority amidst the full house for Thursday’s 4-1 Group B loss to Switzerland at SoFi Stadium — are seeing manager Sergej Barbarez pull the same improbable stunt.
    Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • As expected, the nostalgic remake of the Air Force 1’s 2001 mold stays faithful to an era of the sneaker that many purists consider to be among the best.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • His mother, Laura, was a devout Methodist and a vegetarian, while his father, Kenneth, who worked as an accounts clerk and also restored prams and bicycles, had been a conscientious objector, and was a militant anti-smoker.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 June 2026
  • Back home, monks had already begun performing last rite rituals for him, as his devout Buddhist wife and daughter mourned him, presuming him dead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • From viral Aldi Finds to tried-and-true products shoppers love to tell their friends about, people love the thrill of discovering something new here.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • That rugged access is part of the appeal for buyers seeking a true escape rather than a weekend cabin with neighbors in sight.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • To that end, in recent months the unit has required multiple service callbacks, and in each instance TK Elevator's dedicated team has worked to restore the unit as quickly and safely as possible.
    Bri Buckley, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • For those uninitiated, Amazon Prime’s latest college drama, Off Campus, has sparked a dedicated following for its respectful portrayal of friendships, fun, and even, puck buddies bunnies.
    Elle Turner, Glamour, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the center of the celebration was eight-year-old patient Derek Munizcalero, a devoted soccer fan who served as the guest of honor during the event.
    Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • On the brink of prom queen glory and a coveted athletic scholarship, obsessive overachiever Kat Walker (Anwen O’Driscoll) is determined to maintain the flawless image she’s built for herself and for her devoted single mother, Abigail (Danielle Panabaker).
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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