Definition of constantnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word constant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of constant are faithful, loyal, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When might faithful be a better fit than constant?

In some situations, the words faithful and constant are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would loyal be a good substitute for constant?

Although the words loyal and constant have much in common, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is it sensible to use resolute instead of constant?

The words resolute and constant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

In what contexts can staunch take the place of constant?

The synonyms staunch and constant are sometimes interchangeable, but staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When can steadfast be used instead of constant?

The meanings of steadfast and constant largely overlap; however, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

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 constant At the high end, full-year guidance still matches the original outlook in constant currency, war included. Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 These elements of the software development life cycle (SDLC) are constant and haven’t disappeared with AI development. Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Captain Dixon says thankfully things were much calmer on Monday compared to Sunday, when there were constant Mayday calls from a man overboard to a sinking vessel — even an explosion at a dock nearby as a boat was refueling. Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 This time, there was near-constant wheel-to-wheel racing across the field. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constant
Adjective
  • American gasoline prices have risen about 38 percent over the course of the war, but the country’s economic growth rate remains steady.
    JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In recent years, Steinem had expanded her community in New York, hosting a steady stream of gatherings of women in her living room.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • It's aimed at users who expect frequent everyday use and prefer to touch up their own edge more easily.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The climate crisis is making certain types of extreme weather events both more frequent and more severe.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The cigar lounge was steadfast in Sundance Square throughout Covid and the ever-changing business scene downtown.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • By the end of the primary, Moulton had apologized for his November 2024 remarks — and Markey’s steadfast support for trans rights was part of his re-election argument.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Of recognizing the Sisyphean task ahead, the endless, unchanging road diminishing in the distance, and taking another step anyway.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The former Hartford mayor hewed to a simple, unchanging message.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Skillfully insinuating actors on the order of Tom Hollander (Treasurer Robert Hales) and Stephen Dillane (Archbishop Sudbury) add some spice to the film’s periodic seminars in court scheming and skulking.
    Michael Phillips, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The war in Ukraine has caused periodic oil disruptions in the Black and Caspian seas and to pipelines and terminals, but the biggest growing impact is Ukraine’s rising success targeting Russia’s refining network with long-distance drone attacks.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When Johannès was left off the EuroBasket squad in 2023, she was caught between the French national team’s staunch requirements and the WNBA’s prioritization rule, which required her to be present for opening day.
    Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nuclear power, where viable, can offer another source of relatively stable generation costs.
    Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Don also taught his son how to be a light for people who need him, how to be level-headed and stable and how to deal with adversity.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever his rushing role, the words in Hurts’ notes will become action in the Eagles’ regular-season opener against the Washington Commanders.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The sterile fly program complements efforts to monitor wildlife, inspect animals and work with ranchers in areas where the fly has been spotted to encourage regular checks for infestations.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constant. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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