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 The success of Delta’s fix-it agenda is being closely watched by both rivals and loyal travelers. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 July 2025 Today, the application has a loyal following of millions of die-hard iPhone fans. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 July 2025 This is the first time a studio has put tickets for sale this early in advance, but considering Nolan has a loyal army of fans large enough to sack a city, there certainly won’t be any shortage of uptake. —Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 On the one hand, Sharon Horgan — who plays Eva Garvey in the Apple TV+ dramedy about a group of loyal and protective Irish sisters — was nominated for season 1. —EW.com, 15 July 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 volunteer firefighters represent the best of us, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to service and sacrifice.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
  • Greek life, despite its understandable divisiveness, is a steadfast tradition on most Southern college campuses.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 July 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Berrien is positioning himself as a staunch Trump backer in his first ads of the race.
    — Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    — Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • Man’s best friend has been our faithful companion for thousands of years.
    — Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • In Clark Kent’s corner is reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and his faithful companion Krypto the Superdog.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 July 2025
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Nikki Glaser, who has attended 22 Eras Tour concerts and been a devout Swiftie, introduced the singer's award.
    — Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • The mixture of the spectacular Spidey elements will wow web-slinger fans from young children to seniors and the average MCU watcher to devout comic readers and collectors.
    — Scott King, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
  • This was certainly true of the Mets last summer when Taylor played his way into the lineup more consistently than Harrison Bader.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Then Gilmore flamed out, lost everything, and became a dedicated boozer, making flasks out of everything from cucumbers to cuckoo clocks.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2025
  • The spa even features a dedicated hair and nail salon, as well as two medical treatment rooms, a Zen Garden, a fitness center and yoga studio, and a variety of massage therapies.
    — India Brown, Robb Report, 25 July 2025
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • And Vanderbilt University’s sports programs – and especially its two-time national champion baseball team coached by Tim Corbin – have a devoted following.
    — Gentry Estes, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Two lives lost Young’s loved ones described him as a devoted family man who brought joy and love to those around him.
    — Nathan Pilling July 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 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 Aug. 2025.

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