Synonym Chooser

How is the word steadfast distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of steadfast are constant, faithful, loyal, resolute, and staunch. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

When is it sensible to use constant instead of steadfast?

The synonyms constant and steadfast are sometimes interchangeable, but constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

In what contexts can faithful take the place of steadfast?

The words faithful and steadfast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When could loyal be used to replace steadfast?

While in some cases nearly identical to steadfast, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is resolute a more appropriate choice than steadfast?

The meanings of resolute and steadfast largely overlap; however, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When might staunch be a better fit than steadfast?

While the synonyms staunch and steadfast are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of steadfast Morgan is known for its steadfast commitment to classic designs and traditional methods. Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children. Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Laci's family has remained steadfast in their belief that Peterson killed Laci and Conner. Kc Baker, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • But nonetheless, the band has maintained an incredibly loyal following.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • Chalamet has stayed loyal to Guadagnino and to Italy, attending the Venice film festival for the premiere of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part 1 in 2021 and again a year later with Bones and All (2022), a horror romance directed by Guadagnino and co-starring Taylor Russell.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Initially introduced in the 1980s in service of building a superior urban running shoe, the color continues to embody New Balance’s staunch dedication to craft, quality, and fearless independence, in every field.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 May 2025
  • Rubio has largely eschewed his staunch advocacy of providing foreign aid and promoting democracy overseas since taking over the State Department, repeating a refrain that every policy or program should make America safer, stronger or more prosperous.
    Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • An early sculpt of what would become the animatronic was revealed, one complete with age spots on Disney’s hands and weariness around his eyes — Imagineers stressed their intent is faithful accuracy — but much of the attraction remains secretive.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
  • But Tkachuk found a way to make up for his earlier mistake by redirecting a Thomas Chabot point shot past Anthony Stolarz, sending the Canadian Tire Centre faithful into madness.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Biden, a devout Catholic, had been scheduled to travel to Rome to meet with Pope Francis near the end of his presidency, but canceled the trip to remain focused on devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices My grandmother, Alberta, a devout Jamaican Catholic who migrated to America before I was born, was a living embodiment of Pope Francis’s message.
    Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 May 2025
  • Brands can now measure interactions that happen across different channels and touchpoints, such as call center conversions or in-store actions—creating a true omnichannel view.
    Heidi Bullock, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Single-day options are on sale as well, which includes an Ultimate Fan Pass for $499 on Sunday that gets fans access to a dedicated VIP area in Victory Lane, the infield, garage and pits.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • The board has considered various upgrades for the horse-keeping facilities, a dog park, developing a historic park with a multi-use community barn and a more dedicated restoration of the adobe.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Under the devoted stewardship of generations of visionary winemakers, Rioja has become one of the world’s top five wine regions alongside Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Tuscany.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 May 2025
  • Your business depends upon a reliable, loyal, and devoted customer base.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Police and fire departments have sometimes defeated disparate impact challenges over physical fitness test requirements on grounds that good fitness is essential to those jobs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 May 2025
  • There is also a good smattering of creations from Louis Vuitton, which is the show’s lead sponsor and where Virgil Abloh served as creative director of men’s collections and was succeeded by Pharrell Williams.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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