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

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
Their appetite for postseason basketball now satisfied, the Knicks faithful have grown peckish for more. Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026 Written by prolific Irish children’s author Derek Keilty and illustrated by Magda Boll, the fantasy series follows the adventures of intrepid young witch, Ivy Newt, and her faithful shapeshifting companion, Tom, in a magical land called Miracula. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
Burke screaming toward the Longhorns faithful. Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026 The Los Blancos faithful aren’t happy in the light of Spanish Super Cup final and Copa del Rey last 16 losses to FC Barcelona and Albacete respectively over the past few days. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Middleton has been loyal to the iconic Le Pliage Original canvas bag since at least 2005.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026
  • They’re loved for being protective and loyal, and taking a romantic leap of faith could bring unexpected rewards.
    Annabel Gat, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While accurate, these systems aren't perfect.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Now it’s owned by a dairy cooperative but for decades, the Stueve family catered to local tastes and habits, like drive-through dairy windows.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The proposal is solid, the design promising, the neighborhood supportive, the bureaucracy cooperative.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Eddie’s Market has its loyalists as well.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Saie loyalists may opt to round out their blush wardrobe with a newer pick from the brand, Saie Supersuede Baked Blush.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Swift's more recent looks oscillate between retro-glam styles and timeless, polished looks aligned with a movement toward quiet luxury trends—though her now-iconic bangs remain a steadfast companion.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Now running for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after serving in the Legislature for almost two decades, Kelly is ready to put his experience and steadfast values to work protecting taxpayers and keeping Texas state government strong, prosperous, and accountable.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But despite his characteristic command and media savvy, Jackson’s campaign never gained true momentum, scoring mixed results.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This, however, is not true of US Skimo, which has been rapidly professionalizing as a governing body since the sport was announced as a future Winter Olympic event back in 2021.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This love led him to purchase Les Jardins de Kerdalo, a historic botanical garden in the Breton commune of Trédarzec.
    Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Those looking to commune with nature right in their own backyard will appreciate that this property borders protected land, ensuring maximum privacy.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Armed soldiers descended on the parliament by helicopter and attempted to storm the chamber where lawmakers were gathered.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Local and out-of-state agencies are expected to assist with security, as are National Guard soldiers.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on faithful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!