Loyal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈlȯi(-ə)l/ loy·al

Meaning & Definition of Loyal

Loyal (adjective)

  1. unswerving in allegiance
  2. faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government
  3. faithful to a private person to whom faithfulness is due

Loyal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. firm in one's allegiance to someone or something

    "we remain loyal to the ideals for which this organization stands"

    similar: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, good, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
    related: dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, determined, intent, resolute, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious
    opposite: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
    near: irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering, dubious, irresolute, shaky, uncertain, apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Loyal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Loyal:

constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, good, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Loyal

Words with the opposite meaning of Loyal:

disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue

Related Words for Loyal

dependable, dutiful, reliable, responsible, solid, tried, tried-and-true, trustworthy, trusty, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, determined, intent, resolute, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate, sworn, ardent, avid, enthusiastic, fervent, fervid, gung ho, impassioned, passionate, serious

Near Antonyms of Loyal

irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy, faltering, hesitant, vacillating, wavering, dubious, irresolute, shaky, uncertain, apathetic, dispassionate, uninterested

Word Forms of Loyal

Derived words: loyally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Loyal

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

First known use: 1531

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Loyal

Frequently Asked Questions about Loyal

What does "Loyal" mean?

"Loyal" means unswerving in allegiance. As an adjective, it is defined as: unswerving in allegiance.

What is another word for "Loyal"?

Other words for "Loyal" include constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast and good. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Loyal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Loyal"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Loyal". Common alternatives include constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, good, pious and staunch.

What is the opposite of "Loyal"?

Antonyms of "Loyal" include disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant and traitorous. Near antonyms include irresponsible, undependable, unreliable and untrustworthy.

How do you use "Loyal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Loyal" in a sentence: "we remain loyal to the ideals for which this organization stands".

Is "Loyal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Loyal" is an adjective.

Is "Loyal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Loyal" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Loyal"?

"Loyal" is pronounced /ˈlȯi(-ə)l/ and divided into syllables as loy·al.