Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, 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

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyal For spring 2026, the brand didn’t disappoint either its loyal customers or the minimalist fans approaching its assortment for the first time. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Gina remains loyal to Amy, who has at times treated her friend brusquely. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 Her success has helped Swift build a large and loyal fanbase, known as the Swifties. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 From pumpkin pasta sauces to apple cider donuts, all kinds of fall flavors have become a staple for many—but there's a particular seasonal bakery item that's garnered a loyal following at Trader Joe’s for years. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • For 19 years, its dedicated staff and steadfast supporters have provided vital care to over 100,000 young people across southern Africa, including young people living with HIV/AIDS and those facing mental health challenges.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
  • After that harrowing hike up the boulder field, the nerve-wracking exposure of our search site has pushed even this steadfast high-drive purebred over threshold.
    Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even after the Tennessee National Guard was summoned to restore order, staunch segregationists refused to let up.
    Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Continue reading … POLITICS TURNING TABLES – Speaker Johnson flips script on Dem leaders with staunch warning against gov shutdown.
    , FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Charles – who is known to be deeply faithful and regularly attends services – has visited the Holy See on several occasions.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Far from a faithful rendering of Pynchon’s text, One Battle After Another identifies the most cinematic and emotional veins of Vineland’s network of narrative and, true to Anderson’s word, runs like a thief.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After all, Stabler was married with 300 children, and a devout Catholic to boot.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Rounding out the mourning quartet is their sister Anne (Emily Fairn), physically sickly, emotionally brittle and unequivocally devout.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By this time, Elio is beginning to confront the reality of Oliver’s eventual departure (and thus, his first experience of true heartbreak).
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • This time, the Cougars feature a true freshman at QB in Bear Bachmeier, who has looked sharp throwing for 518 yards and four TDs as BYU breezed through non-conference play.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After catching this unexpected moment, Emily couldn’t resist sharing the footage on her dog’s dedicated TikTok account.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The commission’s recommendation came with the caveat, however, that the associated development agreement is modified to require completion of transit improvements — namely a reconfiguration of Sports Arena Boulevard to include dedicated bus lanes — during the first phase of development.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Housing a collection encompassing six decades of Husain’s practice, including paintings, films, tapestries, photographs, poetry, and installations, the museum will be the world’s first and largest devoted to the artist’s work.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Best Nike Shox Sneakers to Shop in 2025 Even the most devoted, new release–chasing sneakerheads can have a tough time determining what the ultimate It-shoe of the moment is.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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