loyalist

noun

loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-list How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
Synonyms of loyalistnext
: one who is or remains loyal especially to a political cause, party, government, or sovereign

Synonyms of loyalist

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Examples of loyalist in a Sentence

die-hard loyalists engaging in espionage against the revolutionaries
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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.
The growing chorus of criticism has shaken the confidence of Martin's loyalists. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 The travel ball loyalists will say its their way to spend time with their kids. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, in the shopping center kitty-corner, a hundred or more loyalists stood in line to support Stan’s Donuts, a South Bay institution. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Either Viking will retain its loyalists, or many will flock to a different experience. — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalist

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalist was in 1647

Phrases Containing loyalist

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loyalism
loyalist
loyally
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Cite this Entry

“Loyalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalist. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

loyalist

noun
loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-ləst How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
: one who is or remains loyal to a political cause, government, or sovereign especially in times of revolt

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalist

Nglish: Translation of loyalist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loyalist

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