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 Kourtney, described as a loyal friend and straight-A student who loved basketball, attended the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, a Kansas City charter school. Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025 Once a loyal Stalwart who opposed Garfield's reform agenda, Arthur stunned the nation by ending the spoils system and signing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025 The prime minister has a large, loyal base of supporters. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 But the film’s eventual record-breaking success was a deafening rebuttal from his loyal fanbase. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • The balance of power in Mississippi is shifting away from extremism and chaos and toward champions of working families, driven by Democrats’ steadfast commitment to their communities.
    Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But the disruption is already wreaking havoc on the normally steadfast program.
    Christian Orozco, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • China is always a staunch doer and important contributor to global green development.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This reality is so sobering that even staunch climate optimists have had to adjust.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Canada’s Crave appears not to have remained faithful to the Celebrity Traitors UK.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Dalia embarks on a quest to find a legendary truffle that could save the situation guided by Igor’s field notes and his faithful dog Birba, played by a real truffle-hunting pooch.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • She was described as a happy, devout child who loved reading.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And nearly all socialists, like most other Oklahomans, were devout Christians.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
  • One mailer in particular said that Persson and fellow Democratic candidates wanted to build apartments on 300 acres of green space, which isn’t true, Persson said.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Coach is betting on footwear with a new dedicated store in New York’s Hudson Yards.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Through this partnership, NAAREA will be able to inspect and maintain its microreactors using robotics, both in dedicated facilities and on-site.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Her songs started playing in more and more clubs and bars and taxis, and her fan base grew more devoted.
    Carolina Abbott Galvão, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The film follows Jo Beckett, a devoted schoolteacher whose world unravels when her young son vanishes—only to return profoundly changed.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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