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

Examples of loyal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Garcia is currently Democrats' freshman class president and has served as a campaign co-chair for the Biden and Harris campaigns – making headline as a loyal and indefatigable defender of both candidates. Andrew Solender, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 While Flees explained these leadership and structural changes were necessary to modernize the legacy brand, keeping a good mindset about attrition was ultimately what saved the loyal workforce. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024 With 8 million monthly listeners, that criticism likely mattered to Democrats, particularly because his loyal young Black audience is part of a voting bloc the president struggled to court. Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Since then Blood Incantation have garnered a formidable reputation and loyal cult following, though one that’s fairly limited to the old school death metal and extreme music crowds. Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loyal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loyal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near loyal

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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