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 Antetokounmpo has been loyal to the Bucks for his entire 12-year career, but this summer, there were real concerns about his future with the organization. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Orange County renters are loyal, meaning 62% of them renewed their leases in the second quarter – the region’s highest rate. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025 Iannone says his own conversations with eBay users have prompted changes, such as raising the limit on the number of photographs featured in each handbag listing, and alerts that advise sellers when a buyer is loyal enough to merit a special offer or a personalized note. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Friends remember her as a gentle soul, who loved the piano, and a loyal Kennedy. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Juan, his family, and supporters remain steadfast in their confidence in his innocence and his characters as a hardworking, law-abiding member of society.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • At an event held at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami, representatives from several universities and civic institutions praised Machado’s courage, nonviolent leadership and steadfast commitment to restoring democracy in her homeland.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Seeking a second consecutive term on council, Gillette is notable on the council for his staunch conservative views, including supporting an anti-transgender sports ban voted in by the council in 2023.
    PJ Green October 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • He's been a staunch supporter of the death penalty from day one, as illustrated by the toy electric chairs on his desk.
    Haley BeMiller, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But yeah, the film is very, very faithful to the screenplay.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In a steady rain, about 80 faithful from around Northern California congregated outside the California state Capitol on Tuesday in Sacramento to celebrate the 32nd birthday of Charlie Kirk, the MAGA youth pundit who was shot and killed on a college campus last month.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many Latin acts, particularly from Puerto Rico, are devout Christians but don’t share their beliefs in their music.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Gender and sexuality A devout Christian, Kirk spoke often of his support for traditional family values, promoting the importance of raising children.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true of modern warfare.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Mathis has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks alongside teammate and fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The helipad, which owners can reserve on a dedicated website from anywhere around the world, according to co-listing agent Jill Hertzberg of the Jills Zeder Group, speaks to an emerging trend around fly-in communities.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • These fabrics are part of Cone’s Lofty Edit concept and are a dedicated capsule of ecru and PFD fabrics designed specifically for garment dye color.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Buford became the drummer for the experimental metal band the Body (who developed a devoted cult audience with their intense and unusual sound).
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In her native land, Lang remains half honored, at best, or guarded like a secret by a devoted few.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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