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 If a position is continued, it is filled with a totally unqualified but loyal sycophant or cult member. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025 And even some of his most loyal Cuban-American backers are joining the chorus. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 Now, the company has more than 12,000 Instagram followers and a loyal clientele. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 Here’s the story of how Waters led his hilariously and loyal Baltimore collective into accidentally launching indie film as a genre while setting out to offend pretty much the entire world. Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • While some things have changed since then — such as her hair color and last name — Brett’s philosophy on the power of education and educators has remained steadfast, even as the culture and technology of both education and the world shifted.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart, who has also been a staunch Trump supporter in the past, expressed a similar sentiment to Strickland in an X post on Monday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • Israel’s staunch ally, the U.S., stepped in to help shoot down Iranian missiles, while other global leaders have called to de-escalate tensions.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has bristled at criticism from some of his MAGA faithful, including conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, who have suggested that further U.S. involvement would be a betrayal to supporters who were drawn to his promise to end U.S. involvement in expensive and endless wars.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • Di Maria raised his right hand toward the crowd afterward, as if apologizing to the Boca Juniors faithful.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vance Boelter, the suspect in the attack, has been described as a devout Christian who has attended President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, according to The Associated Press.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • Over the weekend, Elon Musk and others tried to paint the shooter as a violent leftist, but friends and former colleagues described Vance Boelter, who is charged in the killing, as a devout Christian and political conservative.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • But while the South gets most of the spotlight, the true magic lies further away.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Beyond all of the twists and many, many, many turns that kept viewers tuned in every Tuesday night, the core of the show was about true female friendship and the loyalty that comes with that, no matter what.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The new keyboard also features a programmable aluminum roller and dedicated macro keys for streamlined gaming control.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Newsweek is about to take the next step in its dedicated daily coverage of sports betting with a brand-new weekly newsletter specifically for sports bettors.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • By making loyalty purely transactional, Carnival risks turning its most devoted customers into brand-agnostic comparison shoppers.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • In the past, the devoted league of Swift supporters known as Swifites have banded together to criticize the singer’s high-profile exes and in recent years, rallied against Ticketmaster over allegations of fraud, price-fixing and antitrust violations.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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