loyal

adjective

loy·​al ˈlȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce loyal (audio)
1
: unswerving in allegiance: such as
a
: faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government
were loyal to the king
b
: faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due
a loyal husband
c
: faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
a loyal churchgoer
loyal to the party of their forebearsDennis Farney
2
: showing loyalty
a loyal friend
3
obsolete : lawful, legitimate
loyally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for loyal

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.

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

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

Example Sentences

The team has many loyal fans. She has provided the company with many years of loyal service.
Recent Examples on the Web Many become loyal business connections, and many external transactions take place. Karen Mc Dermott, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 Through their unique storytelling formats, the company will continue to lead the charge within the audio space and producing high-quality series for their loyal consumers. Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2023 But attacking Trump is a delicate balance, especially from fellow Republicans who need to simultaneously dislodge his grip on the party while also not alienating his loyal base. Ashley Parker And Josh Dawsey, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Mar. 2023 Most aspects of my life were upended, but the 7:45 a.m. home exercise session was a constant: a warm-up, two sets of resistance exercises designed by our loyal coach, then stretching and gabbing. Susan Pinker, WSJ, 23 Mar. 2023 He was seen as a loyal ruling party member and considered a key figure in the government's efforts to evade punishing international economic sanctions. Regina Garcia Cano, ajc, 21 Mar. 2023 That ensured Hollyhock always had a loyal decorator clientele. Bebe Howorth, ELLE Decor, 21 Mar. 2023 Aversa said Foot Locker plans to attract both older, loyal shoppers and new and younger customers in a few ways. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 20 Mar. 2023 Whatever shape these loyal wingmates end up taking, by asking for them in bulk, Kendall is making a clear bid. Kelsey D. Atherton, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loyal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyal was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near loyal

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyal. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

loyal

adjective
loy·​al ˈlȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce loyal (audio)
1
a
: faithful to one's lawful government
b
: faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due
2
: faithful to a cause or ideal
loyally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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