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 United’s Kirby cited the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi as a prime motivator for customers loyal to other airlines to switch. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 The Dogs tend to be just that, loyal meatheads of the kind that clever agents like River can outwit by the dozen. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 Thang Piang has built a loyal following at his international grocery store — Zoland Asian Market in Kansas City, Kansas, — for the past six years. — Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 Luxury’s Affair With the Design World Since the early 2000s, fashion has been keen to connect with the design world as a way to promote its business and diversify its loyal customer base. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is a man of few words — and initially, few feelings, or so thinks Marianne — the steadfast Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The poem continues with more verses about Burns’s steadfast love, but beyond that, nothing really happens.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Predominantly Muslim Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic or direct economic ties with Israel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The billionaire developer lost to Bass in the 2022 election, and was a staunch critic of the mayor for her response to the 2025 Palisades fire.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Between Hail Marys, the half a dozen faithful ask God to save both their souls and the 175-year-old church that many of them have belonged to for years and, in some cases, generations.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Housed in a walk-in room situated within a larger exhibition hall, the Castelli copy is so faithful that even the gallery’s parquet floor has been reconstructed here.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Skillet now regularly shares stages with a wide range of acts, from the devout to the secular, including Korn, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Disturbed, and Papa Roach.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Andrew Durand, with his handsome crab-apple features, makes a perfectly quizzical Benjamin; Kelsee Kimmel is stirring as his true love, who shares his age just once.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On has collaborated with an impressive roster of partners over the last 16 years, from tennis legend Roger Federer to Spanish fashion house Loewe, all while staying true to its mission of celebrating movement.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The foundation will also create a dedicated racial justice fund.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the extra space, Fairmont Gold Lounge access adds excellent value through all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a dedicated concierge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The devoted fans of the Boys in Blue have also had a chance to react.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Dickens — a devoted patriarch — took custody of all his children save for his eldest son.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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