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 According to Rand Morrison, the executive producer of CBS Sunday Morning, the series will focus on actors, musician, politicians and others that can speak to the audiences of both the morning newsmagazine, and the Y’s loyal attendees. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 Over his 13 seasons as a player with the Dodgers, Hershiser established a reputation as a consummate teammate, loyal friend and a person of great integrity who is devoted to his Christian faith. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 Sigman plays Carmen Belandria, a no-nonsense, fiercely loyal mother and wife of Miguel. Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 That’s because the loyal Republican opposition is stagnating in the Land of Lincoln. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • King Edward, who ruled from 1901 until his death in 1910, had a wire-haired fox terrier named Caesar, who was his steadfast companion.
    Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Musk remaind steadfast in his ambitious vision for the company, from orbital data centers to a fleet of humanoid robots that would enable large scale manufacturing on the surface of the Moon.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As Alice, Reynolds is the team’s staunchest protector even as Ted serves as head coach.
    Sabienna Bowman, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Hoskins, a Republican and staunch supporter of the map, said that the Missouri Constitution does not expressly give voters the right to hold a referendum on congressional redistricting.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What began as a more faithful attempt at recreating Shakespearean verse gradually evolved as the team tried to figure out how to make something that spoke to then-contemporary anxieties.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Many thought that these books were unadaptable, but these movies have turned out wonderfully and are surprisingly faithful to the host work.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman were all devout Catholics, and Monnet, though not a religious man, was born into a pious Catholic family.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • According to Warburton, Barbara shared her husband's devout Catholic faith and his strong disapproval of their son's most popular shows.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?
    Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Essentially, home builders create a dedicated space for the toilet based on a bathroom’s overall dimensions.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Nearly four decades after the film brought a group of dead baseball players to life with a homemade diamond on an Iowa farm, Keith Rahe and his traveling troupers are still dedicated to keeping the cornfield mystique alive.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Anchor Bay Bar & Grill in Biron, Wisconsin, draws a devoted crowd for their weekly fish fry, but the cost of food has come a challenge.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But the consequence of this relentless churn of work has been a wild inconsistency in quality, leading to a cooling with even his most devoted viewing public.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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