Definition of loyalnext

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 The main combatants are Ethiopian federal troops and fighters loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, an armed political group in Tigray, Ethiopia’s northernmost regional state. — Samuel Getachew, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 As our loyal readers know, Green is one of the most famous country singers on the planet, and it's been that way for a couple years. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 The revocation become a national story, and a source of embarrassment within TCU’s small, loyal community. — Mac Engel september 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 However, a new survey suggests that brands that use AI do not necessarily have loyal customers, particularly among Gen Z consumers. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • The previous Democrat to have represented the district is currently Michigan's junior senator, Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and steadfast moderate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Macklemore held steadfast to his position — that the ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of children — and found supporters among the other openers on Sheeran’s tour and his backing band, who dropped out in solidarity.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Booker has been a staunch opponent of the merger ever since it was announced this year.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Glass has been a staunch opponent of immigration and has supported the arrest of undocumented people living in Florida.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On the verge of its first win in Death Valley in 25 years, the Tar Heels instead came from 14 points ahead to lose, 28-20, against Clemson on a wet, weird and utterly disappointing day for the baby blue faithful.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful?
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Veach was a devout believer in Jackson, who was undersized at 5-foot-9-ish, and passionately made the case.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the post, Henderson, a devout Christian, shared a video clip from Fox News, and quoted Scripture.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a world where true-crime shows of both the fictional and nonfictional variety run rampant on our screens, that’s probably not a bad corporate strategy.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In Cuba, for instance, the single format is dominant, and very few artists have dared to create a true concept album.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This year’s World Focus lineup at TIFF will include Australia Spotlight, a dedicated showcase of Australian cinema mounted with the Australian Embassy in Japan.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The partnership gives Denim Deal members direct access to URC’s Europe-wide repair expertise and services and a dedicated member discount.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Secondo is dating a good-natured and devoted young American woman (Minnie Driver), while simultaneously having an affair with Pascal’s Italian girlfriend and hostess (Isabella Rossellini).
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The cult fashion house has a devoted following among Gen Z and fans of alternative fashion and pop culture, including anime enthusiasts familiar with Westwood’s distinctive Orb logo.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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