Definition of steadfastnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word steadfast distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of steadfast are constant, faithful, loyal, resolute, and staunch. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

When is it sensible to use constant instead of steadfast?

The synonyms constant and steadfast are sometimes interchangeable, but constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

In what contexts can faithful take the place of steadfast?

The words faithful and steadfast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could loyal be used to replace steadfast?

While in some cases nearly identical to steadfast, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is resolute a more appropriate choice than steadfast?

The meanings of resolute and steadfast largely overlap; however, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When might staunch be a better fit than steadfast?

While the synonyms staunch and steadfast are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

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 steadfast Since then, Nolan has been the format’s most steadfast proponent. Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026 Paramount has remained steadfast in its ambitions to close the merger deal before the end of September, at which point Warner Bros will become more expensive. Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026 The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 That steadfast commitment to cultural authenticity came as a great relief to the Indigenous actors — including Meegwun Fairbrother, who plays patriarch William Mitchell. Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Telemundo isn’t totally new to his bar, which is a hotspot for loyal soccer fans.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Anne Hathaway portrays his loyal wife Penelope, while Tom Holland makes his Nolan debut as their son, Telemachus.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was no personal gain or benefit to any DOE employee in this procurement oversight, only a staunch commitment to deliver for students first.
    Lincoln Restler, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026
  • Rogan’s viewership spans from staunch Make America Healthy Again advocates to more socially liberal viewers who agree with his opinions on marijuana legalization.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • La Roja had been the best team of the World Cup and had done so by remaining faithful to itself and its soccer through technique, ability and skill honed through years and years of doing the same thing better than anyone else.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Torres posted a picture with the mob of Spain faithful while on a vehicle, while donning the hat and no shirt.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • While Auguste and two of Damien’s older sisters, Eugenie and Pauline, were being prepared for religious service by devout Anne-Catherine, Frans wanted Jozef for the farm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The film unfolds in a devout fishing community on Malaysia’s East Coast, following two young lovers, Jani and Melur, whose plans for the future are upended by an unplanned pregnancy, poverty and addiction, pushing Jani toward the drug trade.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The same may be true for military personnel, law enforcement officers, commercial drivers or others who are subject to strict workplace drug-testing programs.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • This is the true bureaucracy standing in the way of housing that families can afford — not federal programs or subsidies helping those very families stay housed.
    Jake Day, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Charlotte deploys about 10 dedicated litter crews in the field each day.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • Thanks to dedicated allergy protocols and an impressive range of gluten-free meals, snacks and desserts, dining can become a part of the magic instead of a source of stress.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Costco has retail's most devoted fans Costco is well known for its generous pizza and hot dog meals, and the tenders appear to live up to that reputation.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • Two employees of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) delivered a presentation at the 2023 Russo-Chinese military forum entirely devoted to countering Starlink.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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