loyal

adjective

ˈlȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce loyal (audio)
Definition of loyalnext
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something we remain loyal to the ideals for which this organization stands

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 She has been charged with reinforcing Sephora’s desirability and continuing to increase its global community of loyal members. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 While this is a traditional and respected role for a veteran performer, the lack of a consistent main event storyline for a star of his caliber has been a source of frustration for many of his loyal fans. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Some of those who attempt to seize or usurp power unconstitutionally are killed during their takeover bid, particularly when security forces loyal to the incumbent leader foil the attack. —Joe Wright, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025 By a fiercely loyal base that rides with him through thick and thin. —Jonathan J. Cooper, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
  1. steadfast
  2. staunch
  3. faithful
  4. devout
  5. true
  6. dedicated
  7. devoted
Adjective
  • Our administration must remain steadfast in ensuring that those who put in the work receive the benefits of their efforts.
    — Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The engineering professor is steadfast that nearly all jobs will be taken over by AI—even most of the ones that have a special human touch, like teachers and car drivers.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Gaines, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, called out a Minnesota high school whose softball team won a state championship in June with a transgender pitcher rostered on the team.
    — Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Everyone is done with her, perhaps no one more than Jess, once her staunch defender.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • Watkins counting up his touchdown total in merriment on the sideline and Dart staying in the game until well in the fourth quarter were haunting images for Arkansas faithful and the team.
    — Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This may not be the most popular prediction among the Blueshirts faithful, but the reality is the Rangers don’t have a ton of great options.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • His devout love for these sneakers has also turned my grandma into a convert, and now the two happily sport their Kiziks all over Thailand, walking from food stall to food stall.
    — Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The governor and first lady Maria Lee, both devout Christians, have been involved in missionary work and have helped refugees in the Nashville area.
    — Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.
    — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Like many Stephen King stories, the truest horrors are the ones that exist in reality.
    — James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Designed for just 20 guests across 12 opulent suites (including two dedicated solo cabins), the vessel offers an unprecedented blend of privacy, comfort and adventure.
    — Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • The success of Ron's original ​Wattpad novels translated seamlessly to screen, ​a​ttracting a devoted fanbase that has eagerly awaited each installment.
    — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • George Clooney plays the titular protagonist, a famous movie actor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of devoted

Browse Nearby Words

low-spiritedly
loyal
loyalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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