Definition of constantnext
1
2
3

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 To ensure the tick rate stays constant and the clock remains accurate, scientists closely match the laser’s energy to the energy needed to excite an electron in an atom. Andrei Derevianko, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026 Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. Fred Imbert,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 The color palette also contributes to that constant feeling of strangeness, of something being slightly off. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026 Because grandeur depends on constant reinforcement, every contradiction becomes a threat. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constant
Adjective
  • Pollards Apiary and Gifts now attracts a steady stream of regulars, all of whom pull into her personal driveway and either drop cash or use Venmo to shop.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The threat of rising inflation will likely mean the central bank continues to hold interest rates steady.
    Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jose Alvarado was a frequent presence in the lineup immediately after being traded to his hometown, but McBride’s return from injury has kept the Brooklyn native sidelined.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Hard water can clog showerheads faster, so consider a water softener if clogs are frequent.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For 19 years, its dedicated staff and steadfast supporters have provided vital care to over 100,000 young people across southern Africa, including young people living with HIV/AIDS and those facing mental health challenges.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The league is steadfast about its accuracy.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That unchanging nature is part of the appeal.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • This constant, unchanging, repetitive loading of a treadmill can irritate tissue and lead to knee issues, Holland says.
    Danielle Zickl, Outside, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Lebanon’s fragile sovereignty The lack of resolved borders and Israel’s periodic incursions into southern Lebanon have predictably meant that Lebanon has struggled to assert sovereignty over its own territory.
    Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spain has been one of Israel's staunchest critics, electing to withdraw its ambassador to the country last month in protest of its actions in the Middle East.
    NBC News, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The move adds to longstanding concern among health experts that chaos and political interference under Kennedy—a staunch anti-vaccine activist who has long falsely maligned COVID-19 vaccines—is deeply undermining science at federal agencies and beyond.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To maximize shelf life, store liquid detergents in a cool, dry, and temperature-stable environment and use them within six months once opened.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Kock maintains the presence of these smart hunters has chased the once dominant great whites further along the coast and insists that overall, the population of great whites in South African waters is stable.
    Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pittsburgh raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first period despite resting most of its regular players, including Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, with the playoffs looming this weekend.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The only previous game those five started, was Sunday night’s season finale against the Atlanta Hawks, as the Heat’s 27th and final lineup of the regular season.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constant. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on constant

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