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
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
  • The administration's steadfast message in recent days has been that the tariffs were coming and there was no way out.
    Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The older generation, considered as staunch wealth preservers, are deciding to enjoy their wealth now rather than simply passing it on.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Pelosi, who wrote off the matter for a long period of time, seemed to back down on her staunch opinions ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lenovo faithful will miss the signature red TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard, and typing on the ThinkPad X9 is a definite downgrade from the usual ThinkPad.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Kirill is the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, a faithful backer of the Russian leader and an advocate for the war in Ukraine.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The monthly dedicated reading time helps her focus, especially to start off a new book on the right foot.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Though there's no dedicated dive shop on Anegada, many hotels rent gear to guests and can recommend charter captains who know all the best spots.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (Netflix documentary) Rescued from poachers, an endangered baby pangolin embarks on a journey back to the wild with help from a devoted human guardian in this documentary.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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