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 Ellison is said to be a boss who is loyal to his underlings, particularly with his own hires. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 This all lends itself to a softening market for fashion and apparel — even the most loyal customers are pulling back. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 Loyal Maids in Extravagant Mansions While Solana is a disorderly servant, Clarita reflects the trope of the loyal maid of the higher class, the societal expectation in the region. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Founded in 2022, Ip said that while the Sacramento restaurant has a longer history and stronger connection with its customers, Roseville had a loyal fan base. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage lingering concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Both Wiener, a gay man and staunch advocate for the city’s large LGBTQ+ community, and Chan, who immigrated to the city from Hong Kong at age 13 and has deep ties to its large Chinese and immigrant communities, would make history by winning.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The exchange came as Schmitt has billed himself as a staunch sports fan.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In Lourdes, a holy site in southern France, around 150,000 attended an open-air papal Mass, according to Vatican estimates which dwarf the numbers of faithful who turned out for the last papal visit in 2008.
    — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Filmmakers are billing it as the first faithful adaptation of London’s novel because it will be made from Buck’s subjective experience.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Mamdani, a devout Muslim, is known for his statements against Israeli military actions in the Middle East.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Swift and this new-ish album are just the latest example of how celebs look more disconnected than ever even from their most devout fan base.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The court has already said that second half is Congress’ job, and the usual objection — that nobody could tell the difference — is about to stop being true.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But back then, Carla was worth significantly more than Morgan; now, the inverse is true.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In Korea, the service joined TVING and Wavve in a three-way subscription bundle in 2025, shortly after a dedicated TVING Collection launched on Disney+ Japan.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The skin around the eyes is typically thinnest and shows dark circles and dryness first, so an eye balm can give it a light, dedicated step.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For the interiors, the developer brought in Jenni Kayne, the California lifestyle designer whose brand has built a devoted following around the idea of beautiful things that don't announce themselves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Sarti Spritz has built a devoted following from Americans visiting Europe over the past few years, posting the bubbly concoction on TikTok and begging the company to bring it stateside.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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