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

Executives become insulated from ordinary life, surrounded by loyalists, rewarded for what-the-boss-wants-to-hear optimism, and increasingly unable to tolerate dissent. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

In other words, the longer Russia’s gerontocratic elites sit atop the institutions that have political legitimacy, constitutional centrality, and access to resources and loyalists, the less likely an orderly transition to the next president will be. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Opening weekend audience are looking like a mix of under 35, A24 loyalists, followers of Matt Johnson and fans of Bourdain. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 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