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 When law enforcement hits a dead end, Kai leverages her loyal trucking network and social media influence to launch a grassroots rescue mission. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 May 2025 For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control — deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 May 2025 Some beauty companies, particularly those that offer a wide variety of cosmetics products, could see strong gains as U.S.-China trade worries ease and loyal consumers seek out their essentials on a budget. Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 May 2025 Season 20 winner Noah Thompson found success in country music, performing alongside genre staples and growing a loyal fanbase. Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Alternatively, seersucker remains a steadfast warm-weather favorite—especially for those who appreciate a touch of New England preppiness.
    Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The single combines the guitarist’s weighted influence with the música mexicana group’s steadfast ambition.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Just two awards away from obtaining EGOT status, for over three decades, Foxx has maintained a repertoire of not only staunch professionalism, but also stands as a benefactor of Black male representation in entertainment.
    Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • From the administration’s staunch anti-diversity stance and the military’s push to oust transgender servicemembers, to a looming US Supreme Court ruling that could upend health care for millions of LGBTQ Americans, the second Trump administration has ushered in a period of uncertainty and fear.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • No one needs a live-action remake, but ones this faithful and sweet are not the problem.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
  • Both faithful and former members have been posting online about the change, and some of the comments have been angry.
    Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Has there been a negative response from devout Catholics to you guys at all? Trad Caths are crazy.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • The record that Booker broke belonged to the late South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond, a devout segregationist, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The film also stars Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson and Spencer Watson. Co-written by Greengrass and Brad Inglesby, The Lost Bus is inspired by true events featured in Lizzie Johnson’s 2021 book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 June 2025
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The researchers also advocate for dedicated missions to hunt for Venusian asteroids.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • And while there is concern among some about their future career prospects, some major tech companies have expressed interest in hiring DOGE alumni -- with companies like Coinbase even creating a dedicated hiring portal specifically recruiting former DOGE staff.
    Will Steakin, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • To the most devoted Swift fans, this was like asking if Columbus Day is the same as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
    Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
  • On the acting side, Pancholy has had a standout career with memorable roles like Sanjay on Weeds (2005–2012), Jonathan (Jack Donaghy's devoted assistant) on 30 Rock (2006–2012), and Arnav on Only Murders in the Building (2021).
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!