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 With Jax’s most loyal client at the center of a spiraling media disaster, The Stewart Firm is thrust into a high-stakes battle where every move could mean survival … or the collapse of the firm. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026 With Jax’s most loyal client at the center of a spiraling media disaster, The Stewart Firm is thrust into a high-stakes battle where every move could mean survival … or collapse of the firm. Joe Otterson, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 For the occasion, Colagreco is joined in the kitchen by Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, of El Bulli fame, who is applying his famously molecular approach to Mirazur's most iconic dishes, remixing the emblematic menu with a hit of nostalgia for loyal diners. Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026 The transition is one of several major changes at the network, which is also using one of its busiest news cycles to a launch new product catering to its most loyal fans. Hannah Miller, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • But certainly nothing may have damaged their trust more than the steadfast assertions that the COVID vaccines were able to stop infection and transmission.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Their families both have expressed steadfast support of Broadnax's execution.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In most cases, the first few episodes of a series stream for free, and a viewer pays for the rest; profit is further maximized through a staunch commitment to efficiency, often at the expense of labor standards.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Arbeloa was one of Jose Mourinho’s staunchest defenders during the Portuguese manager’s divisive time in charge from 2010-2013 — when Mourinho fell out with then-captain and Spain icon Iker Casillas.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a faithful recreation of the original game that takes full advantage of modern gaming tech.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Despite the critical lashing, the audience score has been propped up by faithful fans and is sitting at 96%.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a devout socialist and one of the most vocal opponents of the Pentagon’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran, brushed off the threat of being removed from the alliance.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Pharisees were the most devout members of ancient Israeli society, and their real agenda was not to trouble Jesus, but to protest against and challenge Rome.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This year, new creative partner Climate Spring will offer yet another dedicated meeting for each fellow with a Climate Spring development executive to provide development advice and consultation on their script.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Of the 11 nuns, three are dedicated caretakers for the farm, including Laudeña, who has training in veterinary assistance and examines the rabbits every morning.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But alas, Hazina outlasted even her most devoted fan.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Every 13th night, devoted locals journey up the mountain seeking a sacred cure.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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