loyal

adjective

loy·​al ˈlȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce loyal (audio)
1
: unswerving in allegiance: such as
a
: faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government
were loyal to the king
b
: faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due
a loyal husband
c
: faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
a loyal churchgoer
loyal to the party of their forebearsDennis Farney
2
: showing loyalty
a loyal friend
3
obsolete : lawful, legitimate
loyally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for loyal

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.

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

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

Examples of loyal in a Sentence

The team has many loyal fans. She has provided the company with many years of loyal service.
Recent Examples on the Web In Russia, however, the war effort created new money-making opportunities: assets as diverse as auto plants, formerly owned by Toyota and Renault, and Starbucks and IKEA franchises have been either seized outright or forcibly sold at steep discounts and parcelled out to loyal insiders. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2024 But thanks to her decision to stay loyal to Seul-ki throughout Inferno, the couple finally got to explore their connection during the season’s last Paradise and left the island together. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 There’s no way to grow by a factor of five, of course, without alienating some loyal diehards. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, Warren, 45, stayed loyal to his classic tux. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 These backing vocals symbolically represent the music colleagues and loyal audiences who have steadfastly accompanied Qishan throughout her career. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 High engagement rates indicate an active and loyal audience, while broad reach expands the brand’s exposure to new markets and demographics. King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 Critical starting points include: Establish Lived Experience Advisory Councils of loyal customers to give quarterly guidance on the truths behind data. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Since her death, Riley is being remembered as a loyal friend with an infectious energy. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loyal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyal was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near loyal

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

loyal

adjective
loy·​al ˈlȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce loyal (audio)
1
a
: faithful to one's lawful government
b
: faithful to a person to whom allegiance or affection is due
2
: faithful to a cause or ideal
loyally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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