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Some common synonyms of loyal<\/em> are constant<\/em><\/a>, faithful<\/em><\/a>, resolute<\/em><\/a>, staunch<\/em><\/a>, and steadfast<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance,\" loyal<\/em> implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.<\/p>

\/\/ remained loyal<\/em> to the czar<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'constant' a more appropriate choice than 'loyal'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of constant<\/em><\/a> and loyal<\/em> largely overlap; however, constant<\/em> stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.<\/p>

\/\/ constant<\/em> friends<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'faithful' be used instead of 'loyal'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words faithful<\/em><\/a> and loyal<\/em> have much in common, faithful<\/em> implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.<\/p>

\/\/ faithful<\/em> to her promise<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'resolute' be a good substitute for 'loyal'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms resolute<\/em><\/a> and loyal<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute<\/em> implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.<\/p>

\/\/ a resolute<\/em> ally<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'staunch' instead of 'loyal'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms staunch<\/em><\/a> and loyal<\/em> are close in meaning, staunch<\/em> suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.<\/p>

\/\/ a staunch<\/em> defender of free speech<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'steadfast' be a reasonable alternative to 'loyal'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal<\/em>, steadfast<\/em><\/a> implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.<\/p>

\/\/ steadfast<\/em> in their support<\/p>" } } ] }

loyal

adjective

ˈlȯi(-É™)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 Mullin is loyal to Trump, whose messaging on FEMA has been inconsistent. —ABC News, 18 Mar. 2026 But critics of the acting Venezuelan government argue that the move rewards Venezuela’s leadership — all loyal to Maduro and the ruling party — while repression, corruption and human rights abuses continue. —Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Novak, who moved to Lake Zurich from Seattle a few years ago, remains loyal to Seattle Sounders FC, the MLS team. —Sam Brief, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 Those are Basij militia on megaphones, ordering people out of their homes, so the regime can manufacture images of a loyal population. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026 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
  • Through leadership changes at our organization due to death or retirement, Robert has been steadfast in his friendship and support.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Ukraine's European allies have promised to maintain their steadfast support, but bickering over a major 90 billion euro ($106 billion) European Union loan to cover Kyiv's military and economic needs for two years has reflected the mounting challenges.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Medical missions have also ended in staunch Cuban ally Venezuela, as well as Guatemala.
    — Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Wendell Phillips, a onetime abolitionist ally, became a staunch opponent of Stanton’s women’s-suffrage push.
    — Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • For faithful observers, the spring season is marked by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and sacrifice that starts on Ash Wednesday.
    — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Fishy Fishy, a longtime staple, stays faithful to what’s just come off the boat, while Catch of the Day turns a waterfront food truck into a lesson in simplicity done right.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Her understanding of the pleasures and pains of the female body was grounded in her devout beliefs and mysticism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Most everyone in attendance at 2220 seemed to be there to meet or support one of their favorite artists, one of the devout purists of our time who manages to remain that without getting smug, lazy or feral, all common pitfalls.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • To show our simple skill, That is the true beginning of our end.
    — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Courts often look to rulings in other jurisdictions to guide decisions, even if those precedents aren’t binding, according to Reyes, who said this is especially true in new legal fields like climate litigation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Grier was a dedicated teaching assistant for New York City schools.
    — Tony Aiello, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • If your fan has a remote, there may be a dedicated button for switching the rotation.
    — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of dedicated
Adjective
  • Ronnie Bowman’s Expansive Catalog While Bowman earned devoted fans through his own performances, his reach as a songwriter extended far beyond the bluegrass world and into mainstream country music.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Russell — the devoted husband of Paige (Elle Chapman) — absorbs hornet stings and sharper barbs from his mother-in-law, Stacy Clyburn (Michelle Pfeiffer).
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
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 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

Nglish: Translation of loyal for Spanish Speakers

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