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 Over the years, Beijing has cultivated a group of senior Tibetan lamas loyal to its rule, including the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama himself. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Some of your favorite tools like salesforce HubSpot Microsoft dynamics and others have integrated AI to take customers from being leads to being loyal. Ibrahim Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Marshall was described in his obituary as a loyal son, loving brother, hardworking professional, and proud father. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025 The reality television star has made a name for himself over the last two decades, developing a loyal fan base through various shows. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • But Rosary’s goals and its place in the community have remained steadfast, school leadership says.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Accessibility and Sustainability Environmental care is one of Bitter End’s most steadfast values.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Their starting pitching has remained staunch, and closer Carlos Estévez through Thursday was tied for the MLB lead in saves with 22.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
  • Still, even some staunch supporters of Netanyahu and Trump seemed a bit unnerved.
    Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The overall decor is faithful to the history of the house, which was built in 1880 by architect Pierre Kemp for textile industrialist Eugène Kerckhoff.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • The Hollywood outpost stays faithful to the original New York blueprint, with two sets nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., table service throughout, and a booking philosophy that pairs legends with left-field collaborators.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vance Boelter, the suspect in the attack, has been described as a devout Christian who has attended President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, according to The Associated Press.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • Over the weekend, Elon Musk and others tried to paint the shooter as a violent leftist, but friends and former colleagues described Vance Boelter, who is charged in the killing, as a devout Christian and political conservative.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Country singer Gavin Adcock proved that to still be true by slamming the March 2024 LP, which is charting ahead of his forthcoming effort, Own Worst Enemy, during a rant at his recent concert.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The new keyboard also features a programmable aluminum roller and dedicated macro keys for streamlined gaming control.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Here, guests can relax in the dedicated lounge area with a glass of Pinot or play a few rounds of ping pong.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • If his most devoted followers saw repentance, more saw a performative bid to retain his career.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • After swindling his way into loads of cash, Yoshii gradually attempts to disconnect from humanity, moving out of the city, shunning his girlfriend, and entrusting duties to his new, devoted assistant.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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