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 designer’s show always brings out a crowd of his loyal supporters, genuine in their excitement to cheer on a friend. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 12 Feb. 2026 More recently, it's evolved to be used against those who might not be fully loyal to the ultra-conservative administration. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 12 Feb. 2026 And El Camineto attracts the international jet set, with many loyal, repeat guests. Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Youngblood studied his victims’ personalities like a psychologist analyzing a patient, identifying the anxious father, the loyal friend, the keen investor. Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Swift's more recent looks oscillate between retro-glam styles and timeless, polished looks aligned with a movement toward quiet luxury trends—though her now-iconic bangs remain a steadfast companion.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Now running for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after serving in the Legislature for almost two decades, Kelly is ready to put his experience and steadfast values to work protecting taxpayers and keeping Texas state government strong, prosperous, and accountable.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, Sanders — the longtime Vermont independent and staunch critic of the Republican president — called for a permanent cap of 15% on credit card rates.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • CrossFit, the high-intensity gym begun by the staunch libertarian Greg Glassman, went from 13 gyms in 2005 to 13,000 in 2016.
    Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • It has been billed as a faithful adaptation, expanding each of Rowling's seven books into individual seasons.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
  • She's always been a faithful fan of fashion.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The siblings believed that their mother, a devout Christian, felt them, too.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Mustafa’s 2024 debut album, Dunya—a folk memoir about growing up as a devout Muslim in a violent Toronto housing project as the son of immigrants from Sudan—was wildly acclaimed.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But despite his characteristic command and media savvy, Jackson’s campaign never gained true momentum, scoring mixed results.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This, however, is not true of US Skimo, which has been rapidly professionalizing as a governing body since the sport was announced as a future Winter Olympic event back in 2021.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Contrast that with an electric pickup built by a dedicated EV startup, like the Rivian R1T, which launched with just 17.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Another former student, Lahlou Aliouate, similarly described a dedicated instructor with a professional demeanor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As this increasingly audacious killer develops a devoted following among the city’s powerless, Bishop becomes convinced these murders connect back to SF’s most powerful man, his own father, Lincoln Graves (Malkovich).
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
  • But among all denim wearers, there’s a devoted subculture that not only enjoys wearing denim, but also collects, documents and treats the textile as a reflection of their personal history.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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