loyal

adjective

loy·al | \ ˈlȯi(-ə)l

Definition of loyal

1 : unswerving in allegiance: such as

a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government were loyal to the king

b : faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due a loyal husband

c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product a loyal churchgoer loyal to the party of their forebears— Dennis Farney

2 : showing loyalty a loyal friend

3 obsolete : lawful, legitimate

Other Words from loyal Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about loyal

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Choose the Right Synonym for loyal

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. 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 loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray. remained loyal to the czar constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows. constant friends staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it. a staunch defender of free speech steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction. steadfast in their support resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose. a resolute ally

Examples of loyal in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Staff members are expected to be loyal and completely dedicated, which often requires giving up a certain amount of your own personal freedom. — Annabelle Spranklen, Town & Country, "What It's Really Like to Work for the Royal Family," 6 Apr. 2019 In the dark world of the CW show, Luke's character remained positive and fiercely loyal and he will be missed. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "What Will Happen to "Riverdale" Following Luke Perry's Death?," 4 Mar. 2019 But Maduro insisted that his military was unwaveringly loyal and helped detect two coup plots, one of them set to coincide with presidential elections last May. — Fox News, "Venezuela's Maduro may skip UN meeting over security fears," 18 Sep. 2018 Many of these brands have loyal and growing followings but fail to make money or lack the resources to grow beyond niche status as independent businesses. — Sharon Terlep, WSJ, "They Sold Their Startup to P&G. It Struggled. They Quit.," 19 July 2018 Little has been loyal to Ole Miss, opting not to transfer out last year when the program was hit with a two-year bowl ban and NCAA penalties. — cleveland.com, "NFL mock draft 2019: 32 prospects to watch for next year," 29 Apr. 2018 The Stark house symbol and loyal companions to the six Stark children, are based on the now-extinct dire wolves of the prehistoric era, but fans are looking to large dog breeds for their similar appearances as pets. — Sara Rodrigues, House Beautiful, "Game Of Thrones Wants You To Stop Buying "Direwolf" Dog Breeds," 16 Apr. 2019 The changes are expected to pass by a large margin in a body dominated by lawmakers loyal to Mr. Sisi. ... — Jared Malsin, WSJ, "Egypt to Vote on Extending President’s Powers," 15 Apr. 2019 Tormund and Beric Dondarrion are both still very much alive, ad along with Edd and members of the Night’s Watch, search through a castle that belongs to the Umbers, a Northern family loyal to the Starks. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 1: Everything You Need to Know," 15 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loyal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.