faithful 1 of 2

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

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 Faithful is based on the Bible, and showcases a faithful dramatization of the Book of Genesis as told through the eyes of the courageous and passionate, yet flawed women. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026 Your dog Aloka became a global symbol of faithful companionship. Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
This fabric is an old faithful with great range, seen everywhere from Scandi-style beach houses to cozy, colorful city apartments, owing to their breathability and relaxed look. Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2026 The pained look on the freshman’s face and the hush of the Galen Center in those first few seconds was enough to transport at least some of the USC faithful in the crowd back to last March, when Trojan superstar JuJu Watkins injured her knee not far from the same spot. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • If a friend’s pattern isn’t fully loyal, wait to decide your response until tomorrow or after.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Massie has a loyal contingent of followers in his district, with many in the crowd late last month at his 2026 campaign launch.
    Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Others recommend using the opportunity to educate children on the importance of news, understanding where to find accurate facts and how to identify when something is not true or deceiving.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Coaches and other Cowboys front office members have deemed Aubrey a weapon with his ability to test the lengths of field goal distance and be accurate.
    Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In its bid to rise as the world’s premier energy producer, Qatar even pulled out of OPEC, the cooperative of major petroleum producers, in 2018.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Munroe buys its milk through the Agri-Mark dairy farmer cooperative, which is known in New England for its Cabot Creamery brand of cheeses and butter.
    Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Next to maybe the Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers, these boots are one of the most iconic shoe styles, with generations of loyalists (many of whom have owned theirs for decades).
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, there are still some Reese's loyalists who are backing the reigning peanut butter bunny and egg champ.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Not all the time, not in a deeply debilitating way, but enough that his ongoing battle with right-knee tendinitis has become part of his tennis-playing identity — as much as his astute court acumen, steadfast competitiveness and Southern California charisma.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Guardians, Clase want answers about his salary Whereas Ortiz’s counsel asked for the trial to be pushed to a later date, Clase’s camp has been steadfast that the trial remain in May.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the opposite was true Tuesday morning.
    Rachel Royster Updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Luneberg lens design Autonomous vehicle safety has mostly focused on onboard tech, but true reliability may require upgrading the roads themselves.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Before earning degrees in math and physics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Cornman lived in a Buddhist commune in Northern California for three years.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
  • In the beginning, Scritti Politti was a commune as much as a band.
    Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • According to an electoral profile of the former soldier, who is running as a Green Party candidate for a North Carolina senate seat, McGinnis served with the Marines from 2000 to 2004.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The soldiers identified Wednesday were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento and Maj.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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