loyalists
Those who stay
Loyalists are people who remain faithful to an established authority, government, or cause, especially during times of conflict or upheaval.
In American history, Loyalists were colonists who sided with the British Crown during the Revolutionary War, often facing persecution or exile.
In Northern Ireland, loyalists are those committed to maintaining union with Britain.
More broadly, the term describes devoted supporters of any leader, party, or institution: The president's loyalists defended him throughout the scandal.
The word often implies steadfastness that persists despite pressure to abandon one's allegiance.
Consistently loyal and true
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- dedicatedWholly committed to something
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
staunch · true believers · diehards · stalwarts · adherents · devotees · constant · unswerving
Ardent admirers or coolers
- enthusiastsPeople deeply into something
- devoteesPassionate adherents
- advocatesThose who support causes
- evangelistsZealous advocates for causes
ambassadors · repeat customers · superfans · promoters · boosters · patrons · subscribers · members
Supporters of royal government
- royalistsSupporters of hereditary rule
- unionistsMembers of worker collectives
- federalistsPro-strong-government faction
- nationalistsAdvocates for homeland interests
partisans · establishment · reactionaries · conservatives · patriots · oligarchs · colonialists · imperialists
Non-professional armed force
- paramilitaryUnofficial armed organization
- irregularsUnofficial combatants or anomalies
- auxiliariesSupporting or helper elements
- home guardLocal civilian defense volunteers
volunteer corps · death squads · vigilantes · paramilitaries · civil defense · collaborators · security forces
faithful
Consistently loyal and true
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- dedicatedWholly committed to something
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
unwavering · staunch · true believers · diehards · stalwarts · adherents · devotees · constant · unswerving · reliable
fans
Ardent admirers or coolers
- enthusiastsPeople deeply into something
- devoteesPassionate adherents
- advocatesThose who support causes
evangelists · ambassadors · repeat customers · superfans · promoters · boosters · patrons · subscribers · members · collectors
monarchists
Supporters of royal government
- royalistsSupporters of hereditary rule
- unionistsMembers of worker collectives
- federalistsPro-strong-government faction
nationalists · partisans · establishment · reactionaries · conservatives · patriots · oligarchs · colonialists · imperialists · king's men
militia
Non-professional armed force
- paramilitaryUnofficial armed organization
- irregularsUnofficial combatants or anomalies
- auxiliariesSupporting or helper elements
home guard · volunteer corps · death squads · vigilantes · paramilitaries · civil defense · collaborators · security forces
- War of 1812War of 1812, Andrew Jackson, Battle of New Orleans, Fort McHenry, Lake Erie
- groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
- American HistoryAmerican Revolution, Revolutionary War, colonial era, founding fathers, Declaration of Independence
- Revolutionary WarGeorge Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross flag
- Colonial AmericaGeorge Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, Declaration of Independence
- devoteesdevotee, devotees, adherent, adherents, follower
loyalistsrebels
Armed opposition fighters
revolutionaries · insurgents · insurrectionists · freedom fighters · resistance fighters
loyalistspatriots
Devoted homeland supporters
independents · nationalists · colonists · Whigs · continentals
- party loyalistDevoted faction member
- brand loyalistUnwavering repeat purchaser