Definition of steadfastnext

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 Although Reagan remained outwardly steadfast, he was briefed that his approval ratings were beginning to sour because of Lebanon. Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 Ukraine's European allies have promised to maintain their steadfast support, but bickering over a major 90 billion euro ($106 billion) European Union loan to cover Kyiv's military and economic needs for two years has reflected the mounting challenges. ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026 Our commitment to seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families remains steadfast. Adam Thompson, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 Spanning the Civil War, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, the film follows Xu Fugui (Ge You), a once-wealthy gambler reduced to poverty, and his steadfast wife Jiazhen (Gong Li), whose resilience anchors the family through cycles of loss and survival. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • After the synagogue’s board voted to dismiss the cantor, scores of families who were loyal to him left.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Special thanks to all of our loyal customers!
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Neither the United States nor Israel has accepted responsibility for the attack, which has come under staunch criticism from the United Nations and human rights groups.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Elaborate processions carrying life-sized statues of Jesus and Mary unfold worldwide, from Seville to Miami’s Wynwood, as faithful enact rituals spanning centuries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • William Boon Redman's marker is under the watchful eye of one such faithful companion, but the model for the stone dog lying alongside Redman's grave is not buried beneath the canine monument.
    Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For devout followers of BTS, or their colleagues in groups like Blackpink and Stray Kids, sales figures and stream counts are not neutral matters of fact.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to being a hysterical actor and writer, Wilson is a devout student of reality television and hosts the podcast Bitch Sesh about the Real Housewives franchise.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There was no true striker for England.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Full Moon highlights your 4th House of Traditions, nudging you to think about what makes your residence a true home base.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Riding a bicycle in Atlanta can be dangerous — and sometimes deadly — particularly on roads without dedicated bike lanes.
    Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Saxe said the series first started as a way to get outside during the pandemic and has since spurred a larger movement of dedicated cyclists coming together to share a common goal or connect with their neighbors.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Very Cherry reclaimed the crown in 2003 and has remained the top seller since, but Buttered Popcorn still commands a devoted following.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Hartman was also devoted to his wife, Ashley Hartman, and a proud dad to their daughters, Lilah, 13, Zoe, 11, and Phoebe, 9.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on steadfast

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster