Definition of faithfulnext

faithful

2 of 2

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
The restaurant at Under Canvas, while staying faithful to the idea of a semi-rustic canteen, was a showcase of just how extraordinary a simple menu of local ingredients can be. Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 Or maybe Holland sends some love to the Hall H faithful via video message. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Noun
This unexpected inter-team collaboration between rivals adds an intriguing storyline to the All-Star festivities, as Harper seeks another memorable victory in front of the Phillies faithful. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 As Ghana pushed for an equalizing goal, the cheers of the Colombia faithful reverted to a nervous murmur. Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • These special dishes also allow the team a closer interaction with their loyal customers.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Teams sold tickets, concessions, sponsorships and television rights to loyal hometown fans.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sharad said regulators are also using AI to identify inaccurate filings and repeat offenders more quickly, making accurate customs data increasingly important as tariff policies continue evolving.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • For Orlando families, workers and businesses, the practical response begins with accurate records, a clear plan and a realistic understanding of how immigration agencies and court proceedings can intersect.
    Ascend Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Residential buildings, a market, a garage cooperative, storage facilities and vehicles were damaged in the city, police said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • But the women of KORUM embroider every weekday, with some walking more than an hour each morning to reach the cooperative’s worktables.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, in the shopping center kitty-corner, a hundred or more loyalists stood in line to support Stan’s Donuts, a South Bay institution.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
  • Either Viking will retain its loyalists, or many will flock to a different experience.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • And many on Wall Street remain steadfast in their belief that this cycle won’t be any different.
    Ryan Vlastelica, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Herrera proactively trains staff for potential immigration enforcement, creating vital protocols due to a lack of external business guidance, embodying a steadfast commitment to protecting its community.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead, the shoreline is made up of rocky outcroppings, making the pools—and the views—the true focal point.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully for Chad Gable, his loss came in the match of the year in 2026, and this led to a babyface redemption tour with Chad Gable playing his true self as opposed to a heel luchador.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Le Porge, a commune to the west of Bordeaux with 3,500 residents, has been devastated.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The trail crosses Romania diagonally, running from the rural commune of Putna to the city of Drobeta-Turnu Severin.
    Gloria Liu, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Ormund seemingly isn’t scared to learn that enough soldiers to fill a basketball arena are about to bang down the door.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, a CIA station chief leading the covert Lioness unit, which recruits and trains female soldiers for global counter-terrorism missions, balancing this with a challenging family life.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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