steadfast

adjective

stead·​fast ˈsted-ˌfast How to pronounce steadfast (audio)
 also  -fəst
1
a
: firmly fixed in place : immovable
b
: not subject to change
the steadfast doctrine of original sinEllen Glasgow
2
: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal
her followers have remained steadfast
steadfastly adverb
steadfastness 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 But the boy, clad in coveralls and a cap, remains steadfast, watering and weeding with determination. Adrienne Raphel, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2024 Despite Mather’s disapproval, officials remained steadfast in their decision. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 Now nearly 50, Bebe’s legacy as a contemporary fashion brand has been steadfast in its approach to deliver always on-trend, body-confident looks that empower women in their everyday lives. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024 People interested in purchasing an EV remain steadfast in believing these vehicles offer an environmental benefit. Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steadfast 

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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of steadfast was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near steadfast

Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steadfast. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

steadfast

adjective
stead·​fast ˈsted-ˌfast How to pronounce steadfast (audio)
1
a
: firmly fixed in place
b
: not subject to change
a steadfast purpose
2
: firm in belief, determination, or allegiance
steadfast friends
steadfastly adverb
steadfastness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on steadfast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!