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 Conceived as a mobile sanctuary, it is presented as an invitation to step out of constant input and practise stillness, in Abramović’s long-running interest in time, attention and the relationship between artist and audience. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 Life is full of innumerable and constant challenges. Tara Narula, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 The constant company seemed to erase all traces of her dementia, Griselda told me. Oriana Van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026 The click-clack, click-clack of a mill that operated around the clock would serve as either a constant nuisance or soothing white noise, depending on one’s disposition. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constant
Adjective
  • The right application of music therapy can improve brain health, steady the mind, build resilience, and inspire people to find joy and meaning in life.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The central bank kept the benchmark interest rate steady in a split 8-1 decision, after raising it to the highest level in 30 years in December, ahead of snap polls that could see Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sharpen her advocacy for monetary easing and fiscal support.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump on Thursday repeated his frequent warnings that the group will have to disarm or face dire consequences.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
  • This improvement comes from frequent training, detailed planning, and careful evaluation after exercises.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What alerted them to her location wasn’t footprints or a cell phone ping, however, but rather the sounds of her steadfast pup, Cami.
    Outside, Outside, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The year-on-year increases at each major are more modest, usually between 10 and 12 percent, but that percentage of tournament revenue remains steadfast, if not entirely immovable.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Beaches, which are enjoyed by millions of people each year and contribute significantly to local economies, also were listed as good and unchanging for the past decade.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • These landscapes are often described as ancient and unchanging, but archaeological and historical research shows that most were constructed around the 17th century, during a period of political and economic pressure linked to Spanish colonial expansion.
    Stephen Acabado, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Their goal is to replace periodic checks with continuous monitoring.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The fund is structured so that capital returned from each investment is automatically reinvested into future projects, allowing investors potential to compound returns over time, while also offering periodic opportunities to cash out.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Board member Allen Zeman, one of the staunchest advocates for closing schools, was not persuaded.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Um, my mom was my staunchest defender.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Polk said the astronaut is stable but that diagnostic uncertainty in microgravity prompted NASA to err on the side of bringing the crew member back to Earth.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Treaties assume shared values, stable circumstances, and mutual benefit.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plagued by inconsistent play, UALR finished the regular season 19-32 overall and 8-16 in conference play.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
  • However, regular consumption of deli meats is linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
    Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constant. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on constant

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