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 She has been charged with reinforcing Sephora’s desirability and continuing to increase its global community of loyal members. Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 While this is a traditional and respected role for a veteran performer, the lack of a consistent main event storyline for a star of his caliber has been a source of frustration for many of his loyal fans. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Some of those who attempt to seize or usurp power unconstitutionally are killed during their takeover bid, particularly when security forces loyal to the incumbent leader foil the attack. Joe Wright, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025 By a fiercely loyal base that rides with him through thick and thin. Jonathan J. Cooper, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Our administration must remain steadfast in ensuring that those who put in the work receive the benefits of their efforts.
    Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The engineering professor is steadfast that nearly all jobs will be taken over by AI—even most of the ones that have a special human touch, like teachers and car drivers.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gaines, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, called out a Minnesota high school whose softball team won a state championship in June with a transgender pitcher rostered on the team.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Everyone is done with her, perhaps no one more than Jess, once her staunch defender.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Some were faithful copies, while others were reproduced in different colors or fabrics to lend a visual unity to the scene, which is designed to mirror the eerie fairy-tale aesthetic of the fashion film within the film.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Much of that popularity is thanks to a concerted campaign by the Vatican to give the next generation of faithful a relatable, modern-day role model, who used his technological talents to spread the faith.
    Jessie Wardarski, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His devout love for these sneakers has also turned my grandma into a convert, and now the two happily sport their Kiziks all over Thailand, walking from food stall to food stall.
    Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The governor and first lady Maria Lee, both devout Christians, have been involved in missionary work and have helped refugees in the Nashville area.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Designed for just 20 guests across 12 opulent suites (including two dedicated solo cabins), the vessel offers an unprecedented blend of privacy, comfort and adventure.
    Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The success of Ron's original ​Wattpad novels translated seamlessly to screen, ​a​ttracting a devoted fanbase that has eagerly awaited each installment.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • George Clooney plays the titular protagonist, a famous movie actor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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