Loyal | Definition of loyal by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of LOYAL

1

: unswerving in allegiance: as

a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government

b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due

c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product

2

: showing loyalty

3

obsolete : lawful, legitimate

— loy·al·ly \ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adverb

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Origin of LOYAL

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

First Known Use: 1531

Related to LOYAL

Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, faithful, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue

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

Synonym Discussion of 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>.