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 staff are as loyal as the patrons. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 It’s long been rumored that Taylor is a loyal fan of Tom Ford scents. Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026 This means that some refugees remain loyal to him, even after resettling following tremendous hardship in their journeys. Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Hidden away in the basement is a vinyl listening bar, and select screenings are followed by panel discussions that draw a loyal crowd of cinephiles. Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • The island is experiencing its worst days since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union, Havana’s steadfast patron.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Prince William and Princess Kate aren't the only British royals with steadfast food preferences.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Wendell Phillips, a onetime abolitionist ally, became a staunch opponent of Stanton’s women’s-suffrage push.
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Greene, the polarizing former House representative from Georgia's 14th congressional district, was once a staunch Trump ally.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • God bless broccoli, that faithful mainstay of supermarkets and produce drawers everywhere.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
  • This week, Guillermo del Toro’s relatively faithful adaptation of Shelley’s novel took home three Oscars at the Academy Awards.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Most everyone in attendance at 2220 seemed to be there to meet or support one of their favorite artists, one of the devout purists of our time who manages to remain that without getting smug, lazy or feral, all common pitfalls.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Kornet is a devout Catholic and has served as a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • How to Spot the Next One Before sharing a story that sounds too absurd to be true, check the source page.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • That’s particularly true in the world of elite prep schools, which sometimes cost nearly $100,000 per year and often give athletic aid.
    Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The administration also eliminated the dedicated Iran office, merging it with the Iraq office.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The home also includes a dedicated workspace, making this an especially great destination for extended stays.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anastos is survived by Kelly, his devoted wife of 57 years, and their accomplished children, Philip and Nina, and four beloved grandchildren.
    Tony Aiello, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Woven into their story is a young woman who works at a diner and has been their most devoted follower.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster