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 loyal fans blame the front office, which has waved nearly six dozens players and five managers, including interim coaches, through its revolving doors since the first season. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Supermarket analyst Phil Lempert says Wegmans will attract high-value, loyal shoppers across all local supermarket chains, including Harris Teeter. — Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026 Both political camps inspire intensely loyal supporters — and fierce opposition. — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026 Even so, money and privilege cannot guarantee that these elites will stay loyal. — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Some parents are steadfast in their belief that public schools are not for them.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But the companies with the most durable, steadfast brands rarely built them through visibility.
    — Sophie Attwood, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of them were put off by élite football’s deliberate lack of culture—staunch apoliticism is easy to sell to Sky Sports—and others had been priced out.
    — Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Lithuania has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during Russian President Vladimir Putin's more than 4½-year conflict with Kyiv, providing extensive military equipment and financial support.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Managing Scarcity For Pavlovsky, the main challenge now is to keep his faithful customers happy.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • By automating tasks that once required human discretion, rulers can replace unreliable intermediaries with faithful algorithms that cannot be bribed or manipulated.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Personas in the hotel’s backstory include a Thai rockstar-slash-antiques collector, a devout Buddhist business tycoon, and a superstar designer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the plot points had changed—the pilgrim’s less-devout husband, for example, was a more robust character.
    — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Each of the elements these folks have contributed, whether a dedicated musical score, meticulous floral arrangements, or a global food profile, has merged to make this project feel singular and special.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Human traffickers are turning children’s hunger, desperation and need for affection into tools of exploitation, a Colorado city police sergeant warned after his dedicated unit’s first year brought dozens of survivors to safety.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The outstanding artwork of the exhibition, Goldin’s slideshow, largely devoted to candid portraits of friends, many shot in her Bowery loft, remains stunningly raw.
    — J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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