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

As much as one-third of the population remained loyal to King George III and at times during the war loyalist Americans were the biggest contingent of troops in the British forces. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

The recent room renovation and the 2020s arrival of Bourbon Steak have kept it current without sacrificing the slightly old-school sense of discretion that loyalists love. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

The news is likely vindicating for the many Taco Bell loyalists who stuck with the chain, even as the CDC specifically advised against eating its iceberg lettuce in mid-July. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

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

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