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Antonyms for loyal

Grammar : Adj
Spell : loi-uhl
Phonetic Transcription : ˈlɔɪ əl

Definition of loyal

Origin :
  • 1530s, in reference to subjects of sovereigns or governments, from Middle French loyal, from Old French loial, leal "of good quality; faithful; honorable; law-abiding; legitimate, born in wedlock," from Latin legalem, from lex "law." In most cases it has displaced Middle English leal, which is from the same French source. Sense development in English is feudal, via notion of "faithful in carrying out legal obligations." In a general sense (of dogs, lovers, etc.), from c.1600. As a noun meaning "those who are loyal" from 1530s (originally often in plural).
  • adj faithful, dependable
Example sentences :
  • "He's a loyal kid, at that," Burke commented, with a grudging admiration.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • But, talk as he might, in Johnny Rosenfeld's loyal heart there was no thought of desertion.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • It seems fairly certain also that Heidegger was none too loyal as a partner.
  • Extract from : « Handel » by Edward J. Dent
  • Anybody would be loyal who'd been treated as my father treated Aleck.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • But he was a good husband, and she had a loyal respect for his rights.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • They drank to the health of this exacting, loyal maiden, and Cross gave her name.
  • Extract from : « In the Valley » by Harold Frederic
  • Afterward I learned that he was our dragoman's father; but I was loyal and did not tell.
  • Extract from : « It Happened in Egypt » by C. N. Williamson
  • He took oath of all the princes and nobles, who swore to be loyal to their new master.
  • Extract from : « Welsh Fairy Tales » by William Elliott Griffis
  • So he ordered his loyal vassal to take his sword to the island of Avalon.
  • Extract from : « Welsh Fairy Tales » by William Elliott Griffis
  • So it's a technicality that you don't have to be loyal to an orphan home.
  • Extract from : « Pee-wee Harris » by Percy Keese Fitzhugh

Synonyms for loyal

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019