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
His writing glows with his obvious love of plants and animals, not least his faithful dog, Roger. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026 Sunday’s Mass fell on the Catholic Corpus Domini feast day, which often features processions of faithful through towns and cities led by a priest carrying the Eucharist. Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
Noun
Chicken has long been a weekend standby, but this recipe adds a kick of flavor to the old faithful. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 14 May 2026 Spirit was long the butt of jokes for its bare-bones operations, but the flying faithful were mourning the loss. Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • The brand stuck to its DTC roots though, insisting on launching new products online first to get feedback from loyal customers.
    Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko, CNBC, 7 June 2026
  • Another approach to cutting down the workforce is voluntary layoffs, a move that rewards loyal workers.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • If blue-and-red jerseys and Chicago ballcaps are an accurate barometer, Cubs fans ruled — by a lot.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
  • André and Alex worked with The Witness creators to ensure the show was accurate.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Some of Apertus’ developers have created a consumer cooperative, enabling users to co-own their interface with the model.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • The nonprofit Liberty HealthShare — a Christian cooperative in which members pay monthly dues toward each other’s care as an alternative to traditional health insurance — is lowering its monthly costs, according to a recent press release.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The selection may help the ruling coalition to quiet fears that Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party would install a loyalist to oversee a whitewash.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
  • But Choi said Han’s win could worsen a divide in the conservatives because Yoon loyalists would feel a sense of crisis and close ranks further.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Douglas County remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and adherence to Colorado Open Meeting laws.
    Olivia Young, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • The throughline of his life is his on-again, off-again friendship with, but also his steadfast love for a neighbor girl of the upper class, who challenges him repeatedly to become his better self.
    The Know, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Attleboro managed a two-out walk but Salerno limited any true damage in the top of the eighth.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
  • Huang pitched herself as the true progressive in the race, saying Raman had drifted too close to the middle during her time on council.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Known for its handsome château, this commune of less than 500 people is set along the Seine about an hour's drive northwest of Paris.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
  • Chaos on Seventh Avenue, where the rowdiest and roughest fans go to commune and roar and party and climb the awnings of various subway entrances outside Madison Square Garden.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Video has emerged that appears to counter the Israeli military’s account of an incident in which a soldier opened fire on a car carrying a family and killed their 7-month-old baby Sam Abu Haikal.
    Sarah Dean, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • American soldiers liberated the camp months later, finding Haller at just 55 pounds and very sick.
    Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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