loyalist

noun

loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-list How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
Synonyms of loyalistnext
: one who is or remains loyal especially to a political cause, party, government, or sovereign

Synonyms of loyalist

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Examples of loyalist in a Sentence

die-hard loyalists engaging in espionage against the revolutionaries
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Han was also charged with giving lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, a Yoon loyalist, 100 million won ($73,000) months before Yoon’s inauguration in May 2022. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Two ​sources said that loyalist troops had been dispatched to retake control of the airport, either through negotiations or by force. — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 Forcing those carriers to stop flying to Russia would make life less comfortable for officials, oligarchs, and other wealthy loyalists of President Vladimir Putin. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Segmentation that separates a new customer from a five-year loyalist. — Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loyalist

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loyalist was in 1647

Phrases Containing loyalist

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Browse Nearby Words

loyalism
loyalist
loyally
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Cite this Entry

“Loyalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalist. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

loyalist

noun
loy·​al·​ist ˈlȯi-ə-ləst How to pronounce loyalist (audio)
: one who is or remains loyal to a political cause, government, or sovereign especially in times of revolt

More from Merriam-Webster on loyalist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loyalist

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