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 His second campaign for governor, in 1970, proved more successful, in no small part due to Rosalynn’s steadfast support. —

Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Nov. 2023 His steadfast support of the 2020 election lies earned Brooks Trump's endorsement in the 2022 Alabama Senate Republican primary. —

Quinn Scanlan, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2023 The fractious and polarized political environment is showing slight cracks in Poland’s otherwise steadfast support and unity for Ukraine. —

Chris Massaro, Fox News, 14 Oct. 2023 That’s a significant boon for the movie, since Kiran is articulate and remarkably steadfast. —

Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2023 Another was Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to grant electoral legitimacy to its de facto breakaway territories in eastern Donbas. —

Robert Hornsby, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 The world’s largest economy probably expanded at the quickest pace in nearly two years during the third quarter on the back of a steadfast US consumer, a challenge for Federal Reserve officials who are debating whether additional policy tightening is needed. —

Vince Golle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2023 Arkansas' other House members — Republican Reps. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro, French Hill of Little Rock and Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs — were steadfast in backing Jordan. —

Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2023 Ham radio, or amateur radio, has remained a steadfast communication method since its inception. —

Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 5 Oct. 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.