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 Gillan and the other members of Deep Purple remained steadfast in this position even when the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame two years later, and Blackmore hoped to play at least one song with them at the ceremony. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026 Miller has remained steadfast in his commitment to stay in the race despite GOP calls for the second-term congressman to step down, as well as a House Ethics Committee investigation. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026 That interloper was Shadow, who became Jackie's steadfast mate right up until her hospitalization last month. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Wright, who started Detroit City Football Club 15 years ago, has been steadfast about the sport as DCFC has been a catalyst for the sport. Carol Cain, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Consumers have become more responsive to discovery — and less loyal than traditional retail shoppers.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While their team has the highest total payroll in MLB this year, the Mets have subjected their loyal supporters to last-place baseball and a losing record on their home field.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rocha Moya, 77, a staunch ally of Sheinbaum’s mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, denied wrongdoing and described the charges as a politically motivated attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Once the two were staunch allies and both played major roles in getting Johnson elected.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Existing model signing tools address byte integrity but not faithful quantization.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Braves lost to the Twins, 4-2, in the series opener, a game delayed 51 minutes because of inclement weather and then began with an opening frame that probably had Braves faithful wishing there’d been a lengthier postponement.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ghalib was a devout Muslim yet drank wine despite Islam’s prohibition on alcohol.
    Aishwarya Lakshmi, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman were all devout Catholics, and Monnet, though not a religious man, was born into a pious Catholic family.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Meals are included in the cost, and there are dedicated babysitters for babies.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Micron on Thursday announced a new $10 billion project to create the country’s first dedicated memory research hub right here in Boise.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The remainder go to the general public, a combination of the curious and the devoted.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In Deify — currently in production in Chicago — a cult leader is put on trial after causing his devoted followers to be burned alive.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 24 Aug. 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!