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
Be true to you, be faithful to you. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 One after another, the avatars of Democratic success in Georgia took the stage Saturday and were greeted like conquering heroes by hundreds of party faithful at the annual Carter-Lewis gala. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
Leo greeted the global faithful in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Latin, reviving a practice that his predecessor Pope Francis had let lapse. Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 Small shifts in traditions Leo greeted the global faithful in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Latin, reviving a practice that Francis had let lapse. Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • The co-CEOs say these VCs have greater proximity to the issue Esusu is trying to solve—but their loyal clientele are at the center of its success.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The actress — who played Serena McGuire, Elle Woods’ loyal and bubbly best friend — looks back fondly on her time working with Reese Witherspoon as the film approaches its 25th anniversary.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And by shopping around for rates and lenders, thus establishing an accurate baseline to compare against, borrowers can better decide on the value of taking action now or delaying their plans for the foreseeable future.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hatfield said the cooperative aims to lease back its headquarters site, one of the smaller buildings on the campus, from any buyer.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Shea butter used in the formulations, for example, is sourced from a women’s cooperative in Africa through FairTale GHANA, which helps support education for local families.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Magyar called on Fidesz loyalists in key state positions, including the president, to step down or face expulsion by his parliamentary supermajority.
    Peter Weber, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The now former Hungarian leader has been widely criticized for dismantling or impairing many democratic institutions including the Constitution, law courts and the media, and packing influential committees with loyalists.
    Patrick Smith, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For 19 years, its dedicated staff and steadfast supporters have provided vital care to over 100,000 young people across southern Africa, including young people living with HIV/AIDS and those facing mental health challenges.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The league is steadfast about its accuracy.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest are also set to reprise their roles as the eclectic aunts who raised the Owens sisters, always encouraging them to embrace their true magical selves.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Aid groups say the true toll could be much higher as access to areas of fighting across the vast country remains limited.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • When the priest takes his stringent methods too far, the existence of the commune is called into question.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
  • For two hours, Claire Jefferies wanted to get away from the war in Iran and the rising gas prices and just commune with nature.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Australian law defines war crime murder as the intentional killing in a context of armed conflict of a person who is not taking an active part in the hostilities, such as a civilian, prisoner of war or a wounded soldier.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • But Israel's military told them explicitly not to, and Lebanese army vehicles were still blocking the path to some southern areas on Friday, the BBC reported, including the entrance to Khiam, which is still occupied by Israeli soldiers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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