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 result of that experiment was some loyal CNN viewers leaving, and few if any new viewers tuning in. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026 Grace Booher are among Chilcutt’s loyal fans. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 The best form of antiaging is staying loyal to your daily SPF application. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026 These diverse groups range from loyal government supporters to factions more critical of the government. Rebecca Hanson, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • His madman approach seems to not be working, as the EU seems steadfast against him (while here at home, President Gordo’s madness is still very evident).
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
  • All the while we will be encouraged by our steadfast belief that the sacred garment that is our country needs us, its warp and weft threads.
    Scott Santarosa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Board member Allen Zeman, one of the staunchest advocates for closing schools, was not persuaded.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Um, my mom was my staunchest defender.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Acclaimed for its dedication to long-form storytelling, early CGI VFX attempts, and faithful depiction of spaceflight physics, its online fanbase remains massive and the show is remembered as a space opera operating on a sophisticated level.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The text is unchanged, and the design is faithful to the play’s setting – Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the 20th century.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Um, and then on the other side, I was raised, uh, by my mother and stepfather as a devout Jehovah's Witness.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Products labeled as halal or kosher must actually be those things, otherwise companies can deceive devout Jewish or Muslim customers into violating their faith traditions.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Such should be true for tomorrow as well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The app will bring to the fore true voices endorsed by the fanbases.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Layan Life is Anantara’s first dedicated wellness project.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Deer Valley has plenty of black diamond runs scattered throughout the resort, but this is an entire playground completely dedicated to expert skiers.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What perhaps mattered more than the incendiary headlines or the sheer number of stories both tabloids immediately devoted to this event, however, was the misinformation each was also imparting to the public.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The chief meteorologist, 67, was a devoted husband, father of six and grandfather, the station said.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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