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
The other is like a faithful old companion nearing the end of the road. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 Existing model signing tools address byte integrity but not faithful quantization. Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
When Jones' parents gather on Sunday at The Vision Church of Fort Worth, one of their faithful will be missing. Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 The Tillman Rally, an annual GOP gathering in Floyd County, attracted scores of Georgia GOP faithful this weekend. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Consumers have become more responsive to discovery — and less loyal than traditional retail shoppers.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While their team has the highest total payroll in MLB this year, the Mets have subjected their loyal supporters to last-place baseball and a losing record on their home field.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, El Niños of the past are not necessarily an accurate guide to El Niños of the future, experts say.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The defense firm says the missile uses an advanced navigation system and is exceptionally accurate.
    Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The staff of the cooperative sent out a distress call when the men were not heard from.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Tsering Yangchen has been working for seven years in the cooperative.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Forcing those carriers to stop flying to Russia would make life less comfortable for officials, oligarchs, and other wealthy loyalists of President Vladimir Putin.
    Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That's kind of his thinking behind all of this -- to keep loyalists in these top jobs.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Given a five-meter attacking scrum, New Zealand was steadfast and flanker Luke Jacobson scored by blasting through du Toit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami’s steadfast sanctuary, accepts the patients no one else wants.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the truer thread running through his music was as much about urgency as death.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Among those in the record crowd was former Orlando Magic star Grant Hill, whose daughter Lael is a true freshman defender from Windermere for the Gators and a product of Lake Highland Prep.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Coon plays Rita, a woman in midlife haunted by the weight of her past, who encounters magnetic young spiritual leader Ricki (James) and leaves her family to follow her to an all-female commune.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • On Monday, Martial Zaninetti, the mayor of the commune of Le Porge, told French media outlet France Info that bomb disposal experts had been directed to the area.
    Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps a soldier took his last breath beneath its canopy, watering its roots with his blood.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In one such surprise visit in December 2017, Assad was physically blocked by a Russian soldier from following the Russian leader in a degrading reminder of who was boss in that relationship.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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