steadfast

adjective

stead·fast ˈsted-ˌfast

also -fəst

Synonyms of steadfast next

: firmly fixed in place : immovable

: not subject to change

the steadfast doctrine of original sin—

Ellen Glasgow

: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal

her followers have remained steadfast

steadfastly adverb

steadfastness

ˈsted-ˌfas(t)-nəs

-fəs(t)-

noun

Did you know?

Steadfast has held its ground for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, stedefæst, combines stede (meaning "place" or "stead") and fæst (meaning "firmly fixed"). The word was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense. That sense gave way to the word's use as an adjective implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion.

Choose the Right Synonym for steadfast

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

Examples of steadfast in a Sentence

He was steadfast in his support of the governor's policies. a steadfast supporter of women's rights

Recent Examples on the Web Many Democrats express steadfast support for the president’s running for a second term, and no major figure has risen to challenge him in a primary. —

Colby Itkowitz, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023 In the meantime, Crabtree-Ireland insisted his membership remains steadfast in their support of SAG-AFTRA and its bargaining positions. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2023 But Jones morphed into a steadfast behind-the-scenes adviser, mega-fundraiser and keeper of secrets. —

Timothy Bella, Anchorage Daily News, 25 Aug. 2023 While many of the largest tech companies are joining a US corporate effort to compel employees back to the office, Atlassian is among the firms remaining steadfast backers of remote work. —

Brody Ford, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2023 That’s not enough for Bloomberg, a steadfast critic of flexible work. —

Byjane Thier, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 Starbucks popularized the pumpkin-spiced latte years ago, but it’s remained steadfast as an annual trend. —

Alex Darus, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2023 In these segments of the film, Zelenskyy looks exhausted but steadfast. —

Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 13 Sep. 2023 Despite facing backlash, Rubiales was steadfast in his defense of his actions. —

Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steadfast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.