loyalist

noun

loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-list How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
: one who is or remains loyal especially to a political cause, party, government, or sovereign

Examples of loyalist in a Sentence

die-hard loyalists engaging in espionage against the revolutionaries
Recent Examples on the Web Complicating things, another Democrat, state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, also jumped in, as did another Republican, Trump loyalist and cattle rancher Chris Mathys, whom Valadao barely beat in the 2022 primary. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Ad campaigns portray Garvey as a loyalist of former President Trump and the biggest political threat to Schiff, an effort largely expected to increase the former Dodger first baseman’s appeal among Republican voters. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel will step down from her position in March, setting up a path for Donald Trump loyalists — including his daughter-in-law Lara Trump — to assume top leadership roles in the party. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 The 30-year struggle known as the Troubles, pitting loyalists, who wanted to stay part of Britain, against Republicans, who wanted to separate, was just beginning — and over the next two years, General Kitson would do much to shape the course of the conflict. Clay Risen, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024 Some of the sneakers may be spotted on the feet of loyalists at his campaign rallies between now and the November 2024 presidential election. Shaun Harper, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Moïse put loyalist Jeantal Joseph in charge of the brigade and sought to turn it into his private armed force. Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2024 The lack of a majority did not stop Sharif's relatives and loyalists from appearing on a balcony at his party headquarters, waving to the crowds below. Riazat Butt and Munir Ahmed The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 10 Feb. 2024 The president has also stacked courts with loyalists who have blocked investigations into an apparent early government pact with the gangs and ministers accused of embezzlement. Reuters, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalist was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near loyalist

Cite this Entry

“Loyalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

loyalist

noun
loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-ləst How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
: one who is or remains loyal to a political cause, government, or sovereign especially in times of revolt

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalist

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