loyalist

noun

loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-list 

: one who is or remains loyal especially to a political cause, party, government, or sovereign

Synonyms of loyalist

• patriot

Examples of loyalist in a Sentence

die-hard loyalists engaging in espionage against the revolutionaries

Recent Examples on the Web

For the ultimate Old Navy loyalists, there’s the All-Access tier, where members earn 25 points per $1 spent, an extended return window, free shipping on orders of $35 or more, and even more perks. — Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026

On May 17, 1777, a group of British soldiers, loyalist militia and Native Americans ambushed Georgia Patriots near the mouth of Thomas Creek, near what is now the Jacksonville airport. — Lane Degregory, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

The bonfires are the centerpiece of the loyalist calendar, underlining an identity built on being British. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

The only blot on an otherwise solid opening week for the World Cup expansion loyalists. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing loyalist

• party loyalist

Rhymes for loyalist

• royalist

Kids Definition

loyalist

noun

loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-ləst 

: one who is or remains loyal to a political cause, government, or sovereign especially in times of revolt