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 film also serves as a tribute to friends and loyal customers who have helped shape the business. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Fun-loving, loyal and always up for the good times, Baloo feels right at home in Chicago. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Aug. 2026 The ruling pro-presidential Adilet party is widely predicted to win an overwhelming majority, with several smaller parties loyal to Tokayev also anticipated to enter parliament. ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 While their team has the highest total payroll in MLB this year, the Mets have subjected their loyal supporters to last-place baseball and a losing record on their home field. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Given a five-meter attacking scrum, New Zealand was steadfast and flanker Luke Jacobson scored by blasting through du Toit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami’s steadfast sanctuary, accepts the patients no one else wants.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rocha Moya, 77, a staunch ally of Sheinbaum’s mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, denied wrongdoing and described the charges as a politically motivated attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Once the two were staunch allies and both played major roles in getting Johnson elected.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • New York will be blessed to have someone so faithful to his truest loves.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Neece is calmly and casually kind, like a faithful bloodhound without jowls.
    Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ghalib was a devout Muslim yet drank wine despite Islam’s prohibition on alcohol.
    Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Gruyaert grew up in a devout Catholic family, with a father who saw art as a sin.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Raised in a working-class family in the English county of Essex, Jordan was a dedicated reader, who grew up devouring books by Jacqueline Wilson and Malorie Blackman.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Bringing home a dedicated Bose television soundbar equipped with angled spatial drivers, dialogue-boosting algorithms, and expandable bass ports for under $200 is an exceptional value, making this the ideal window to upgrade your movie nights.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The remainder go to the general public, a combination of the curious and the devoted.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In Deify — currently in production in Chicago — a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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