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 restaurant opened in April and is already building a loyal fanbase. Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Morticia reams Thing out for failing to be loyal to her and Gomez; Thing is tired of being treated like a servant. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025 But there also remains the reality that Khamenei’s loyal conservative followers command a strong pull with domestic audiences. Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2025 He’s been able to maintain his business due to a loyal customer base. The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Exciting developments are on the horizon, but no matter how ebikes evolve, one rule remains steadfast: Buy a bike from a manufacturer that offers good customer support.
    Stephanie Pearson, Wired News, 8 Aug. 2025
  • From that same place comes her steadfast advocacy for the Latino community.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And though public opinion is staunch and clear on this issue, Congress approved vast cutbacks.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • But the plan collapsed amid staunch opposition from Somalia, which has long opposed Somaliland’s independence and fears Ethiopia’s dominance of the region.
    Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Davies’s magnificent, faithful adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1905 novel is a sumptuous triumph.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
  • This opens up a huge question: what is any portrait faithful to?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the greatest scientists of the 17th and 18th centuries were devout Christians, whose faith motivated them to pursue their studies.
    Gregory J Rummo, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Hermann, still a devout Catholic who prayed on his knees every night, would listen, nod, and occasionally offer spiritual advice.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While some characters like Connie and Bobby literally grow, true to the show’s comedic approach, King of the Hill’s return underscores how whether in real or animated life, some people never change.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Gilded Age has been a true word-of-mouth phenomenon.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Institutions like Mayo Clinic have pioneered dedicated AI department that foster cross-specialty collaboration and embed AI research directly into clinical workflows — a model more systems should follow.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Your dedicated Slack channels, private discords and endless Reddit threads.
    April Uchitel, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The premise of two people who are more devoted to their best friend than to their respective romantic partners would be more than enough to support a feature film with a half-dozen elaborate comic set pieces where Rogen gets Byrne into trouble, or vice versa.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Our team’s devoted efforts, our creators’ passion, and our artists’ talent are HYBE’s most powerful growth engine and the bedrock that sustains our company.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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