faithful 1 of 2

faithful

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word faithful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of faithful are constant, loyal, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," 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 might constant be a better fit than faithful?

The words constant and faithful can be used in similar contexts, but constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When would loyal be a good substitute for faithful?

While the synonyms loyal and faithful are close in meaning, 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 faithful?

Although the words resolute and faithful have much in common, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When can staunch be used instead of faithful?

The synonyms staunch and faithful 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 could steadfast be used to replace faithful?

The meanings of steadfast and faithful 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 faithful
Adjective
Cheers turned to groans when Tufte netted his second equalizer early in period two, and the once-boisterous faithful grew increasingly anxious as Providence weathered Charlotte’s offensive barrage. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 In a sunbaked Vatican City, huge crowds of devoted faithful stood for hours in a section beyond the neat rows of cardinals, who remained seated in their colorful robes and hats. Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025
Noun
The tepid game atmosphere was raised by many of the hundreds of Leafs faithful who responded to our ownership survey last month. James Mirtle, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 And while the team has a plethora of needs, the Carolina faithful has even more questions about the future of their favorite team following a productive but one-sided free agency haul last month. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Some beauty companies, particularly those that offer a wide variety of cosmetics products, could see strong gains as U.S.-China trade worries ease and loyal consumers seek out their essentials on a budget.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 May 2025
  • One loyal patron even paddled in by kayak—a photo of it now hangs on the wall.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • To be more accurate, residents in 69 towns rolled out their trash bins every week and never thought about where it was headed and one town received it all.
    Sarah McCoy, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Through the cooperatives, the winegrowers managed to survive this challenging period.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The signees included pipefitters unions, several electrical cooperatives, Xcel Energy and chambers of commerce and some county governments.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Babbitt's death was a rallying point for Trump loyalists and Capitol rioters who alleged police used unnecessary force in stopping the mob on Jan. 6.
    Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 May 2025
  • While his national approval ratings are fair, Vance’s political stock has certainly improved with Trump loyalists.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Over the years, the Biden family has confronted unimaginable adversity with grace and steadfast perseverance.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dylan’s life is full of true — meaning real — contradictions.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025
  • Brands can now measure interactions that happen across different channels and touchpoints, such as call center conversions or in-store actions—creating a true omnichannel view.
    Heidi Bullock, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Who is Dina? Dina, a teenager in the Jackson commune, is a key character in The Last of Us Part II.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Rudell could have easily begun her story with any number of the personal reflections and gripping accounts of commune living.
    Seth Combs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Pantoliano’s character, Angelo, was a soldier in the infantry, stationed in Hawaii in 1941.
    Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Named by Variety as one of 10 Spanish directors to watch in 2022, Azorín delivers a dual-timeline narrative set in Roman baths, where a 21st-century boy shares a hot bath with a 1st-century Roman soldier, both reflecting on their own frailty.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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