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 Keeping his loyal base fevered, furious and fearful has to a large extent diverted their attention from their diminishing resources and personal safety and threatened constitutional rights. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 The spot had a loyal luxury-shopping crowd, and the closing caught regulars off guard. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 At this point, John Leguizamo has the edge as Odysseus’ blind loyal swineherd Eumaeus. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026 Most council members have been largely loyal to Harrington and previously to Wong, but Republican Shamar Mahon consistently challenged both mayors. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Given a five-meter attacking scrum, New Zealand was steadfast and flanker Luke Jacobson scored by blasting through du Toit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami’s steadfast sanctuary, accepts the patients no one else wants.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rocha Moya, 77, a staunch ally of Sheinbaum’s mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, denied wrongdoing and described the charges as a politically motivated attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Once the two were staunch allies and both played major roles in getting Johnson elected.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Existing model signing tools address byte integrity but not faithful quantization.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Braves lost to the Twins, 4-2, in the series opener, a game delayed 51 minutes because of inclement weather and then began with an opening frame that probably had Braves faithful wishing there’d been a lengthier postponement.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ghalib was a devout Muslim yet drank wine despite Islam’s prohibition on alcohol.
    Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman were all devout Catholics, and Monnet, though not a religious man, was born into a pious Catholic family.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Meals are included in the cost, and there are dedicated babysitters for babies.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Micron on Thursday announced a new $10 billion project to create the country’s first dedicated memory research hub right here in Boise.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The remainder go to the general public, a combination of the curious and the devoted.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In Deify — currently in production in Chicago — a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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