Synonyms of disloyal

disloyal

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈlȯi(-ə)l 

as in traitorous

not true in one's allegiance to someone or something

we sensed that he was disloyal and would eventually turn on us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traitorous
• unreliable
• treacherous
• false
• unfaithful
• faithless
• perfidious
• untrue
• fickle
• inconstant
• recreant
• untrustworthy
• irresponsible
• hesitant
• undependable
• uncertain
• faltering
• irresolute
• dubious
• uninterested
• apathetic
• dispassionate
• wavering
• vacillating
• trustless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loyal
• faithful
• true
• constant
• responsible
• devout
• steadfast
• steady
• staunch
• reliable
• fast
• devoted
• trustworthy
• dedicated
• dependable
• dutiful
• solid
• down-the-line
• stanch
• trusty
• tried
• unhesitating
• unfaltering
• resolute
• determined
• intent
• confirmed
• inveterate
• enthusiastic
• trustable
• tried-and-true
• passionate
• ardent
• unwavering
• sworn
• impassioned
• fervent
• avid
• fervid
• dyed-in-the-wool

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disloyal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of disloyal are faithless, false, perfidious, traitorous, and treacherous. While all these words mean "untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance," disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country.

disloyal to their country

Where would faithless be a reasonable alternative to disloyal?

The words faithless and disloyal can be used in similar contexts, but faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty.

faithless allies

When would false be a good substitute for disloyal?

Although the words false and disloyal have much in common, false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery.

betrayed by false friends

How are the words perfidious and faithless related as synonyms of disloyal?

Perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability.

a perfidious double-crosser

When is it sensible to use traitorous instead of disloyal?

In some situations, the words traitorous and disloyal are roughly equivalent. However, traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust.

traitorous acts punishable by death

When might treacherous be a better fit than disloyal?

The words treacherous and disloyal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence.

a treacherous adviser

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disloyal

Trump views the bureau as a hotbed of disloyal conspirators. —Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025

What if this is really a covert effort to make a list of disloyal government employees? —Chris Megerian, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general Tuesday evening, putting a longtime ally of Donald Trump at the helm of a Justice Department that has already been rattled by the firings of career employees seen as disloyal to the Republican president. —Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

That is part of a broader push to dismantle or remake institutions that are considered by the administration to be wasteful, disloyal or standing in the way of its objectives. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025