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 Dolce is loyal, gentle, gets along with the cats, and follows Kirsten everywhere. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025 Not only does South 21 have a loyal customer base that spans generations, many of its employees have also worked there for decades. —Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2025 Now, it’s recognized for its loyal customer base spanning generations. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025 Tik Tok videos showed block-long lines of loyal Trader Joe’s shoppers in the Bay Area waiting for the chance to grab a bag. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 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
  • While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company’s commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast.
    — Susanne Biro, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s comments echo those made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who on Sunday said the administration will remain steadfast in its plans for reciprocal tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, even in the face of the global stock market sell-off.
    — Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • What To Know Tuberville, a staunch Trump supporter, joined guest host Jackie DeAngelis on Sunday Morning Futures to discuss the recent Senate GOP budget, which passed 51-48 on Saturday, with Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine voting against the bill.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The billionaire Ackman, a staunch Trump supporter, put the market's fears about the fate of the global economy in the starkest terms possible.
    — Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • Memorable night Before the match, even the most faithful Arsenal fan would have been nervous for the game against a Champions League specialist.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • According to Boyer, the television adaptation of her and Kochan’s podcast is primarily faithful to Kochan’s real-life story.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • As a devout Muslim, Abdi, 24, dresses modestly and wears a hijab, or, when shooting or walking shows, a hat or head covering.
    — Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The venue will certainly attract flocks of deadheads, who remain among the most devout fanbases in music.
    — Ethan Millman, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    — The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Rudy the dog, who lives in New York with his owner, Samantha, racked up more than 1.7 million likes in just a few days, after Samantha shared his antics to his dedicated account, @rudyrudyroo, on April 5.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Once added to the system, customers can make orders through a dedicated Zipline app.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • And there’s a kind of directness and simplicity, and everything is devoted to the action.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world’s most absurd travel situations.
    — Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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