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

He was dragged down steps, Tazed and sprayed with chemical agents as MAGA loyalists hoping to stop the certification of President Biden’s electoral win called for Fanone to be killed with his own service weapon. —Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

Hours later, Halligan became the latest Trump ally to give up her title amid scrutiny from judges about the administration's maneuvering to install the president's loyalists in key posts. —Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

Noem and Lewandowski plotted to promote two Border Patrol agents viewed as loyalists who would continue the flashy, sometimes questionable tactics CBP personnel have used while assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement. —Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026

Cap Juluca loyalists are back in force, talking about what had improved (the decor, the food) and what remained blessedly unchanged (the view, the amazing staff). —Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 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