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 performances have gained the artist a loyal following within the New York art world, with works staged in venues ranging from MoMA PS1 to the Kitchen, where González debuted a new commission, Swerve Fatigue, earlier this year. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The castings, announced by New York City Center today, will see Pierce portraying the put-upon blockhead Charlie Brown and Edebiri as his loyal if irreverent beagle Snoopy. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026 This new project is expected to resonate with Melania’s most loyal admirers, particularly among her supporters in Florida. Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 6 Aug. 2026 DoorDash is seeing more orders, fueled by sky-high demand from its loyal subscribers, which should help its shares continue to bounce back, according to Evercore ISI. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • King Edward, who ruled from 1901 until his death in 1910, had a wire-haired fox terrier named Caesar, who was his steadfast companion.
    Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Musk remaind steadfast in his ambitious vision for the company, from orbital data centers to a fleet of humanoid robots that would enable large scale manufacturing on the surface of the Moon.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As Alice, Reynolds is the team’s staunchest protector even as Ted serves as head coach.
    Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Hoskins, a Republican and staunch supporter of the map, said that the Missouri Constitution does not expressly give voters the right to hold a referendum on congressional redistricting.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What began as a more faithful attempt at recreating Shakespearean verse gradually evolved as the team tried to figure out how to make something that spoke to then-contemporary anxieties.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Many thought that these books were unadaptable, but these movies have turned out wonderfully and are surprisingly faithful to the host work.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As a devout Mormon, Steven's unexplained proximity to Las Vegas and a series of mysterious road trips point to unexpected secrets.
    Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Over the decades, the principessa cake in particular has cultivated a devout — and fashionable — following.
    Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?
    Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the program was canceled after the Congress ended dedicated funding in 2022.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Time’s explainer notes that current law confines claims to importers of record and customs brokers, and that any broad household compensation would likely have to come through a tax credit or dedicated rebate program enacted by Congress.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Anchor Bay Bar & Grill in Biron, Wisconsin, draws a devoted crowd for their weekly fish fry, but the cost of food has come a challenge.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But the consequence of this relentless churn of work has been a wild inconsistency in quality, leading to a cooling with even his most devoted viewing public.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster