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 When law enforcement hits a dead end, Kai leverages her loyal trucking network and social media influence to launch a grassroots rescue mission. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 May 2025 For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control — deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 May 2025 Some beauty companies, particularly those that offer a wide variety of cosmetics products, could see strong gains as U.S.-China trade worries ease and loyal consumers seek out their essentials on a budget. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 May 2025 Season 20 winner Noah Thompson found success in country music, performing alongside genre staples and growing a loyal fanbase. —Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 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
  • Alternatively, seersucker remains a steadfast warm-weather favorite—especially for those who appreciate a touch of New England preppiness.
    — Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The single combines the guitarist’s weighted influence with the música mexicana group’s steadfast ambition.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Macgregor, a staunch anti-interventionist, advocates for dropping Russian sanctions completely rather than imposing more, and argues the U.S. national strategic interests do not conflict with Russia’s.
    — Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
  • Makary, who was sworn in to lead the FDA on April 1, is a controversial Johns Hopkins University surgeon and researcher who gained national attention as a staunch critic of the federal response to COVID.
    — Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • But being faithful to existing customers is one of her most important obligations.
    — Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Normally the complaint with an adaptation is that the show or film's creators are ruining the story somehow by being insufficiently faithful to the source material and losing something in the process.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Has there been a negative response from devout Catholics to you guys at all? Trad Caths are crazy.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • The record that Booker broke belonged to the late South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond, a devout segregationist, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • This offseason is the first true break for Steph and Ayesha since 2023.
    — Natasha Dye, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • In 2023, the department became one of the few agencies in the country to open a dedicated wellness room for its officers.
    — Katja Ridderbusch, NPR, 26 May 2025
  • Feige was hailed as a dedicated employee who worked for the DEP for 33 years in the marine section of operations.
    — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • By statute, three quarters of that money is devoted to television, one quarter to radio.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • Newsletter Get our high school sports newsletter Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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