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
The Royals faithful — all 39,320 in attendance — erupted with applause. Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026 The Falcons faithful again packed the rink Sunday to celebrate a third straight crowning. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
Members of the Republican faithful are gathering in Dallas on Saturday for the final day of the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, the annual event known for high-profile appearances from the most prominent figures in the MAGA movement. Elena Moore, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026 Fittingly, Victor Wembanyama gave the San Antonio faithful its moment. Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 19 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
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Hedrick also won a Fiesta Bowl, in 2014, and was hailed as one of the most accurate passers in the nation.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 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
  • There was no true striker for England.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Full Moon highlights your 4th House of Traditions, nudging you to think about what makes your residence a true home base.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Those comments largely served as a testament to the staunch conservative’s willingness to work across the aisle to secure funding for his district.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte -- a staunch Trump ally -- referred Swalwell to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution over mortgage fraud accusations, but the department never indicted Swalwell.
    Perry Stein The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 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 4 Apr. 2026.

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