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 Fielder has been the sole democratic socialist on the board and a steadfast advocate for progressive causes, often voting against Lurie’s legislative agenda and the board’s moderate majority bloc. Alyce McFadden, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 Mar. 2026 Its themes of kindness and resilience, of steadfast courage against evil, remain a source of inspiration for these readers, even as their feelings about the books are complicated by so much baggage. Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026 Value meets discipline as the almighty Sun conjoins steadfast Saturn in your 2nd House of Finances, encouraging thoughtful stewardship. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 Trump’s threat drew criticism even from his most steadfast supporters among the regime’s opposition, including Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince in exile since the 1979 Islamic revolution, who issued a rare condemnation. Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • The color palette changed so that the attire of the Cogsworth character — the Beast’s loyal majordomo who has been transformed into a clock — is now green rather than brown.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
  • If New York City no longer loves TR, Medora has remained loyal.
    Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Those comments largely served as a testament to the staunch conservative’s willingness to work across the aisle to secure funding for his district.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte -- a staunch Trump ally -- referred Swalwell to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution over mortgage fraud accusations, but the department never indicted Swalwell.
    Perry Stein The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 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
  • Cipriani grew up a choir boy in a working-class section of Philadelphia, the fourth of five children in a devout Italian Catholic family.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Amar’e Stoudemire, the American-Israeli basketball star who became a devout convert to Judaism after retiring, is reportedly headed to the hall of fame.
    Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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