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
Owned by the same family for about 40 years, according to tax records, the home remains faithful to Goldman’s original design. Mark David, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Nolan, of course, is one of the masters of building a faithful following over more than two decades. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
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 In his letter, Leo repeated the Vatican's offer of dialogue and said that going through with the consecrations would be counterproductive for the SSPX faithful. ABC News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Abercrombie’s denim, which has garnered a loyal following thanks to its flattering fits, wide selection of silhouettes, and Curve Love designs that work season after season.
    Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • That demographic also showed stronger brand receptivity during the tournament, with World Cup viewers 21% more likely to feel loyal to advertisers and 24% more likely to view tournament ads as credible​, according to NBCUniversal data.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • With in-store transactions flowing directly to the API, campaign reporting becomes more accurate and AI from Meta can optimize ads based on cross-channel revenue, Lightspeed said.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • Note what’s accurate, outdated and what appears repeatedly across different sites.
    Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • After working at Wild Orchard for nearly a decade, Shin became President of the cooperative.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Farmers are member-owners of Land O’Lakes, which is a cooperative.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • The hour-long speech tested the patience of all but the fiercest Trump loyalists in attendance.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026
  • The film follows Lena (Lena Trifunović), an anarchist student active in Belgrade’s anti-government movement, and Stefan (Andrija Krivokapić), a working-class youth who finds himself, almost by chance, among pro-government loyalists.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Mormons may lapse in their faith, but their work ethic is steadfast.
    Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • The plan was steadfast to pile up premier pitchers to help veteran ace Garrett Crochet (18-5 in 2025) and closer Aroldis Chapman (32 saves in 2025).
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • As is true for many other industries in China, intense competition at home is driving companies to expand globally.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • While the event offered charitable benefits, Rocket Companies' true commitment is a $500 million, 10-year philanthropic initiative.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 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
  • Plus, the constant convoys of soldiers driving in and out of the base just down the street gave them a sense of security and pride.
    Austin Fast, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Hundreds of army troops, special forces soldiers and police officers were dispatched across the state after the slayings.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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