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 Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2025 The Takeaway: Building Real Loyalty Takes Real Relationships Points alone won’t keep customers loyal, but relationships can. —Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 Read more These headquarters may seem surprising for a duo that creates award-winning perfumes and has built a following of loyal fans. —Maxwell Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 The rerecorded tracks are loyal to the originals; some sound almost as if they’ve simply been remastered. —Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 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
  • Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • From the outset, our firm has maintained that no one is above the law, especially those in positions of power, and that principle remains steadfast.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • From the administration’s staunch anti-diversity stance and the military’s push to oust transgender servicemembers, to a looming US Supreme Court ruling that could upend health care for millions of LGBTQ Americans, the second Trump administration has ushered in a period of uncertainty and fear.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • Just two awards away from obtaining EGOT status, for over three decades, Foxx has maintained a repertoire of not only staunch professionalism, but also stands as a benefactor of Black male representation in entertainment.
    — Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • No one needs a live-action remake, but ones this faithful and sweet are not the problem.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
  • Both faithful and former members have been posting online about the change, and some of the comments have been angry.
    — Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Bure became a devout Christian at the age of 12 and has remained outspoken about her religious beliefs and conservative political opinions.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 June 2025
  • One such soul was Madeline Buol (1902–1986), a devout Catholic and beauty shop owner living in Dubuque, IA, right across the Mississippi River from Dickeyville.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • The film also stars Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson and Spencer Watson. Co-written by Greengrass and Brad Inglesby, The Lost Bus is inspired by true events featured in Lizzie Johnson’s 2021 book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 June 2025
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    — Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • The researchers also advocate for dedicated missions to hunt for Venusian asteroids.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • And while there is concern among some about their future career prospects, some major tech companies have expressed interest in hiring DOGE alumni -- with companies like Coinbase even creating a dedicated hiring portal specifically recruiting former DOGE staff.
    — Will Steakin, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • To the most devoted Swift fans, this was like asking if Columbus Day is the same as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
    — Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
  • On the acting side, Pancholy has had a standout career with memorable roles like Sanjay on Weeds (2005–2012), Jonathan (Jack Donaghy's devoted assistant) on 30 Rock (2006–2012), and Arnav on Only Murders in the Building (2021).
    — EW.com, EW.com, 7 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of loyal for Spanish Speakers

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