faithful 1 of 3

Definition of faithfulnext

faithful

2 of 3

noun (1)

faithfulness

3 of 3

noun (2)

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
Ahmad plays Shah Latif, a British Pakistani actor, who, owing to the exertions of his faithful, often frustrated agent, Felicia (Weruche Opia), is improbably auditioning to be the next James Bond. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 God bless broccoli, that faithful mainstay of supermarkets and produce drawers everywhere. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
Boston’s faithful should be following the team on The Athletic. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 But in the opening round of the ACC Tournament on Tuesday, March 10, one fan in the Pitt faithful tried something nobody saw coming. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
World Labs’ founders are acutely aware of the trade-offs between realism and faithfulness, and are optimistic that at some point, models will be good enough to provide both. Tharin Pillay, Time, 9 Dec. 2025 Producer Miles Dale, who has collaborated with del Toro many times previously, stressed the film’s faithfulness to Mary Shelley’s original 1818 classic, which many call the very first science fiction story, compared to the 1931 James Whale version. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • After the synagogue’s board voted to dismiss the cantor, scores of families who were loyal to him left.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Special thanks to all of our loyal customers!
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Weather apps have a tendency to alienate their user bases, perhaps because people’s physical experiences—their plans, their dress, their commutes—so directly depend on an accurate report.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their steadfast belief in this very personal film and commitment to getting it on marquees means so much to me.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Fielder has been the sole democratic socialist on the board and a steadfast advocate for progressive causes, often voting against Lurie’s legislative agenda and the board’s moderate majority bloc.
    Alyce McFadden, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To show our simple skill, That is the true beginning of our end.
    Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Courts often look to rulings in other jurisdictions to guide decisions, even if those precedents aren’t binding, according to Reyes, who said this is especially true in new legal fields like climate litigation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Neither the United States nor Israel has accepted responsibility for the attack, which has come under staunch criticism from the United Nations and human rights groups.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Thai Bella has a great outdoor patio and a large menu of authentic Thai dishes.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Mar. 2026
  • For me, that’s a great example of not being Hollywood and being authentic.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For devout followers of BTS, or their colleagues in groups like Blackpink and Stray Kids, sales figures and stream counts are not neutral matters of fact.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to being a hysterical actor and writer, Wilson is a devout student of reality television and hosts the podcast Bitch Sesh about the Real Housewives franchise.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • An assembly of planets in Aries moves through your twelfth house, stirring emotions behind the scenes and asking for careful tending.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • To the begonia collectors out there, Begona Black Velvet, with large leaves that could have fallen from a maple tree, is worth a careful look.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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