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 Above all, Thomas has remained loyal to the franchise that drafted him, and loyalty should count for something. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025 Instead of rewarding people who have remained loyal to a brand, the Dis-loyalty program gives discounts from the beginning, including 50% off of new openings, 20% off first-time stays and 10% off return visits. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Peter Nicholls | Getty Images News | Getty Images New data shows that American consumers are prepared to remain loyal to the iPhone even as Apple’s future remains uncertain due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025 Clinging to their illusions, the Whites remained loyal to Hitler’s Germany even after witnessing the atrocities the Nazis committed. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • And hey, even the most devout among us can't argue with that.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The Kremlin and its far-right proxies now paint Ivan as a great statesman and devout Russian Orthodox Christian who laid the foundations of the Russian Empire.
    Dina Khapaeva, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Strong lines that team up to form geometric designs, metallic accents, luxe materials like marble and velvet, and eye-catching ornamentation are certainly part of the style's foundation, true.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Held at Churchill Downs, the nation’s premier horse racing event continues to attract dedicated fans and casual spectators alike.
    Javier Zarracina, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In addition, many games and franchises have their own dedicated wikis that go a step further; these wikis are often part game guide, part lore book, and part historical record.
    Daniel Larlham, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Buffett always enjoyed a devoted following among shareholders.
    Time, Time, 3 May 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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