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 brand has a loyal following, including several notable celebrities and top chefs. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 The loyal throngs of fans that stuck around, even as the crowd dwindled, were duly rewarded when, a few hours later, Lorde arrived in the flesh to perform. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Despite this, its loyal fan base continued to grow, waiting for the day that the original SNK fighting game — which, to some, was a true successor to the roots of Street Fighter — would return. Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025 The controversy alienated even our party’s most loyal supporters who felt that party bosses, not Democratic primary voters, were deciding which candidate would emerge in the general election as the Democratic nominee. Ken Martin, Time, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • While Broadcom’s financial success since acquiring VMware suggests that its business plan will remain steadfast, sending cease-and-desist letters to VMware users risks further harming its reputation with current and former customers.
    Scharon Harding – May 7, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2025
  • Their team walks clients through every step, offering open communication, empathy, and steadfast support throughout the process.
    Ascend Agency, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Initially introduced in the 1980s in service of building a superior urban running shoe, the color continues to embody New Balance’s staunch dedication to craft, quality, and fearless independence, in every field.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 May 2025
  • Rubio has largely eschewed his staunch advocacy of providing foreign aid and promoting democracy overseas since taking over the State Department, repeating a refrain that every policy or program should make America safer, stronger or more prosperous.
    Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Tkachuk found a way to make up for his earlier mistake by redirecting a Thomas Chabot point shot past Anthony Stolarz, sending the Canadian Tire Centre faithful into madness.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • An early sculpt of what would become the animatronic was revealed, one complete with age spots on Disney’s hands and weariness around his eyes — Imagineers stressed their intent is faithful accuracy — but much of the attraction remains secretive.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Biden, a devout Catholic, had been scheduled to travel to Rome to meet with Pope Francis near the end of his presidency, but canceled the trip to remain focused on devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices My grandmother, Alberta, a devout Jamaican Catholic who migrated to America before I was born, was a living embodiment of Pope Francis’s message.
    Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • While hazing has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, incidents like the one in Syracuse are reminders of how vague the true scope of hazing nationwide remains and the need for more tangible hazing prevention practices, experts and advocates say.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Single-day options are on sale as well, which includes an Ultimate Fan Pass for $499 on Sunday that gets fans access to a dedicated VIP area in Victory Lane, the infield, garage and pits.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Hapag-Lloyd is deploying a dedicated shuttle, the Sofia Express, between the ports of Salalah and Karachi, with Port Qasim also included in the rotation.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This week, the stories in The Lede are devoted to the lives that have been upended during the first hundred days of Donald Trump’s second term.
    Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
  • Buffett always enjoyed a devoted following among shareholders.
    Time, Time, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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