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 His audience is so loyal that a single Keith Lee video can change the fate of an entire restaurant. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026 Known for their decades of family ownership, loyal regulars and enduring recipes, these nostalgic spots showcase the heart of heritage dining in Arizona. Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Madison argued that people weigh their own evidence about a Creator, then are loyal to a governing power higher than civil society. Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 Owners and longtime patrons say the challenge isn’t a lack of loyal customers. Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Not all the time, not in a deeply debilitating way, but enough that his ongoing battle with right-knee tendinitis has become part of his tennis-playing identity — as much as his astute court acumen, steadfast competitiveness and Southern California charisma.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Guardians, Clase want answers about his salary Whereas Ortiz’s counsel asked for the trial to be pushed to a later date, Clase’s camp has been steadfast that the trial remain in May.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But as bad as the performance was, McAvoy remains a staunch believer in the team as the league goes into it’s most uncertain day of the season.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Mullin, a staunch Trump supporter, has no law enforcement experience.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The film is faithful to the franchise’s customary angst, with riotous needle drops (and an obligatory new Nick Cave track) courtesy of Antony Genn and Martin Slattery.
    Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
  • That makes sense, given how Paxton styled himself as the more MAGA-faithful option.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Most everyone in attendance at 2220 seemed to be there to meet or support one of their favorite artists, one of the devout purists of our time who manages to remain that without getting smug, lazy or feral, all common pitfalls.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Now Peterson is suing to assert his advisory privileges and regain access to the DAF, which was started by his late father, Gordon Peterson, a real estate investor and devout Christian, to support evangelical Christian causes.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To make money talks less tense, prioritize choices that reflect your true worth.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
  • That has certainly been true of artificial intelligence.
    Rebecca Winthrop, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Hinge does not currently have a dedicated reporting function to flag domestic terrorism specifically.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Some endurance events now feature resort-style accommodations, training facilities, and dedicated recovery spaces designed specifically for athletes who want to blend performance with relaxation.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Panuco was a devoted mother to two children who worked at the Colorado Indian Tribes Library, according to an online fundraising page to cover the costs of her funeral services and therapy for her surviving family members.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • These books include some of the most devoted stay-at-home dads in print.
    Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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