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 Stewart had played the wise and steadfast telepath Professor Charles Xavier since the very first film in 20th Century Fox’s hit X-Men film franchise, which premiered in 2000. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026 On the other hand, if the players remain steadfast, the owners would seem to have two choices. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Recorded live in a Norwegian church with the British organist Kit Downes, the album consists almost entirely of pipe organ and Sundfør’s steadfast, saintly voice. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026 As much as the crowd hopped to his demands to make noise, Brooks was steadfast in offering his appreciation. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • In September, senators loyal to him began publicly questioning the central bank about Ueno’s risky lending to related companies.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • However, brand amnesia turns even your most loyal customers into strangers, showing that internal silos matter more than their time and experience.
    — Jerry Haywood, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • During their time in the White House as first ladies, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were staunch supporters of the American fashion industry, often wearing American designers for public appearances.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Preliminary results show McHenry County Clerk Joseph Tirio, a staunch Trump supporter, lost.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The organ woven into the walls of the church where Bach spent decades as cantor was built in 2000, but its tuning and temperament systems were designed to be faithful to the standards of his lifetime.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Riga, with its pre-Revolutionary buildings and rows of Soviet-era prefab housing blocks, provided a rather faithful replica of Russia.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • And a few hours later (and a little further left of pop stardom’s center), two other artists with highly devout followings also drew signifcant buzz for teaming up on record for the first time.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim and contract killer who travels across Houston in an effort to protect his three children following the death of his wife.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The Afro-chic, three-bedroom private villa Elela is like having your very own safari camp, fully equipped with staff, a private game vehicle, and even a dedicated watering hole for prime wildlife viewing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The band has also teamed with Superfan for VIP and travel experiences at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas for the residency run, with exclusives including fan activations, transportation and a dedicated Rush merch pop-up at the Fontainebleau.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Martha was a very devoted hostess, Mary was the first person to see the resurrected Christ, and Lazarus was miraculously raised by Jesus from the dead and emerged from the tomb wearing his burial cloths.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Tributes poured in for Stewart from devoted fans and co-stars.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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