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Definition of loyalism

loyalism

/ˈlɔɪ.əl.ɪ.zəm/
loy · al · ism
Adjective:loyalist
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loyalism Lexical Profile

loyalism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Steadfast allegiance to an established government, monarch, or political authority, especially during a time of revolt or civil conflict.

Example

"Historians have extensively studied the social factors that motivated colonial loyalism during the American Revolution."

2

British A political ideology in Northern Ireland advocating the maintenance of the constitutional union with Great Britain, typically associated with working-class Protestant communities.

Example

"The documentary examined how both nationalism and loyalism shaped community identities in Belfast throughout the late twentieth century."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for loyalism

• Nearby Words

lowveld shield nose snake
lox
loyal
loyalism
loyalist
loyally
loyalty

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from 'loyal' (via Old French from Latin 'legalis', meaning 'of the law') plus the ideological suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Loyalism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/loyalism
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