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 More collaborations could follow if interest holds, and each one tends to widen the audience by pulling in shoppers loyal to the collaborator rather than to Plasticana itself. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 And while the award may bring new customers through the doors, Van Daalen says the focus remains on providing the same experience that earned Tapestry its loyal following in the first place. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 But some of Vucic's main mouthpieces, like broadcasters Informer and Pink, remain loyal, hosting the former leader daily in their programs. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 At a fish restaurant in Nairobi, for example, identifying loyal customers to offer them discounts required going through SMS sales receipts one by one, a tedious task that rendered client-retention marketing impractical. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Sirianni had been steadfast in his faith in Mannion over the last few weeks but did not give him an endorsement when asked if the beleaguered coordinator would keep his role.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chris is a champion for Connecticut, for the core values of our nation, and a steadfast defender of democracy, both at home and abroad.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • During their time in the White House as first ladies, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were staunch supporters of the American fashion industry, often wearing American designers for public appearances.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Preliminary results show McHenry County Clerk Joseph Tirio, a staunch Trump supporter, lost.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The organ woven into the walls of the church where Bach spent decades as cantor was built in 2000, but its tuning and temperament systems were designed to be faithful to the standards of his lifetime.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Riga, with its pre-Revolutionary buildings and rows of Soviet-era prefab housing blocks, provided a rather faithful replica of Russia.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • And a few hours later (and a little further left of pop stardom’s center), two other artists with highly devout followings also drew signifcant buzz for teaming up on record for the first time.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim and contract killer who travels across Houston in an effort to protect his three children following the death of his wife.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The Afro-chic, three-bedroom private villa Elela is like having your very own safari camp, fully equipped with staff, a private game vehicle, and even a dedicated watering hole for prime wildlife viewing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The band has also teamed with Superfan for VIP and travel experiences at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas for the residency run, with exclusives including fan activations, transportation and a dedicated Rush merch pop-up at the Fontainebleau.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Martha was a very devoted hostess, Mary was the first person to see the resurrected Christ, and Lazarus was miraculously raised by Jesus from the dead and emerged from the tomb wearing his burial cloths.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tributes poured in for Stewart from devoted fans and co-stars.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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