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 These people appear loyal, but only because their careers are tied to the leader staying in power. Erica Frantz, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 When Orbán came to power, one of his first appointees was his loyal friend Péter Polt as the country’s chief prosecutor. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 May 2025 The loyal subscriber base of Fox News Channel is also expected to erode, falling about 8.8% to 58.9 million by the end of 2026, according to Kagan, compared with 64.6 million in 2024. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 May 2025 But questions swirled for weeks over whether Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene -- a firebrand conservative and one of Trump's most loyal allies in the House -- would run for Senate. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Greene, a staunch Trump ally, won her election in November in the critical swing state that the president also won.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride.
    Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alexander Skarsgård and David Dastmalchian Steve Wilkie—Apple TV+ Creators Paul and Chris Weitz are faithful to Wells’ first Murderbot novella, but there are plenty of changes that expand the book into an exciting episodic structure.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 16 May 2025
  • The fact that Dolly was apparently so faithful for so long will seem to some as strange as if Bacchus turned out to be a stay-at-home dad.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023, Caviezel, a devout Catholic, starred in mega box office breakout Sound Of Freedom, produced by faith-friendly Angel Studios, and is next due to reprise his role as Jesus in Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 May 2025
  • Local family members and friends know the new pontiff as a lifelong devout Catholic and former altar boy who makes frequent trips back home to the Chicago area, cheering for the White Sox and enjoying a slice of Aurelio’s pizza when back in town.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 May 2025
  • Dylan’s life is full of true — meaning real — contradictions.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Single-day options are on sale as well, which includes an Ultimate Fan Pass for $499 on Sunday that gets fans access to a dedicated VIP area in Victory Lane, the infield, garage and pits.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • The board has considered various upgrades for the horse-keeping facilities, a dog park, developing a historic park with a multi-use community barn and a more dedicated restoration of the adobe.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Your business depends upon a reliable, loyal, and devoted customer base.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Under the devoted stewardship of generations of visionary winemakers, Rioja has become one of the world’s top five wine regions alongside Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Tuscany.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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