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

Examples 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 Other members of the gang include Charlie’s younger sister, the bothersome Sally; kind Franklin and musical Schroeder; sporty Peppermint Patty and respectful Marcie; dusty Pigpen and the loyal bird Woodstock. Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 Netflix executives said they were attracted by WWE’s loyal, multigenerational audience. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Odds boosts are also a valuable customer retention tool, a marketing expense that helps keep some bettors loyal to one platform or another. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Bridges is famously loyal to the Mexican food chain, a habit Payne believes might be his secret weapon. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loyal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Through it all, Franklin remained steadfast with the 1-0 each week approach.
    Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • As the counterfeit industry develops more sophisticated methods, the fight for authenticity must remain steadfast, driven by technology, vigilance, and a commitment to ethical production and consumption.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His position could alienate some staunch supporters who feel strongly about prioritizing domestic labor.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
  • However, her absence will also provide a chance for many staunch athletes to showcase their skills in the long-course meet in the summer of 2025.
    Paras J. Haji, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The reality show challenges faithful contestants to identify a number of secret saboteurs among them in an effort to win a cash prize.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Thank you, my dear brother in Christ, for being the epitome of a faithful Christian in American public life.
    Amanda Tyler, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • At least six people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede near one of India’s busiest and richest temples, after thousands of devout Hindus assembled there to secure free visit passes, authorities said Thursday.
    Reuters, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Tillman, as the devout middle manager Mr. Milchick, delivers an impeccable performance defined by nuanced moments of silent decision-making.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And this is the true challenge of any advancement in artificial intelligence, especially for those aiming to benefit all of humanity, as stated in OpenAI's AGI definition.
    Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Breaking free from that inertia will be the industry’s true challenge.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Set at an underfunded, understaffed Oregon hospital, the mockumentary-style comedy follows the dedicated doctors and nurses who try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
  • White, and many fighters, see this as a success story — a dedicated athlete making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
    Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The dial features a beveled effect wherein the edge dips slightly toward the case—a detail that will not go unnoticed among devoted Parmigiani Fleurier fans.
    Nancy Olson, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • After leaving office, Carter went on to cement his legacy as a devoted activist and humanitarian.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near loyal

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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