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 And yet despite how beloved the holiday classic remains 23 years later, Richter is steadfast in the belief that a sequel isn’t necessary at this point. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026 Sirianni had been steadfast in his faith in Mannion over the last few weeks but did not give him an endorsement when asked if the beleaguered coordinator would keep his role. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 Chris is a champion for Connecticut, for the core values of our nation, and a steadfast defender of democracy, both at home and abroad. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026 Remaining steadfast in his dharma (religious and moral principles), Rama rejects all of Lakshmana’s suggestions for resistance and insists that obedience to his father and preservation of righteousness must take precedence over royal position. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • As our loyal readers know, Langley has become the most famous woman in country music, and there's no close second.
    — David Hookstead, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The company could use its loyal fanbase and sizable playoff ratings to help justify distribution fees to pay TV providers while marginally adding some subscribers to HBO Max.
    — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The last time Mississippi chose a new Democratic senator was 1947, and the winner then was a staunch segregationist.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • But the memory foam fan club also has plenty of staunch supporters.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 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
  • Followers believed the devout earned their place in the afterlife through good acts.
    — Noelle Crombie, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2026
  • In 1960, the year Pruitt was born, the Census counted 876 people living on Tangier, an isolated offshore island known for its devout religiosity and, more recently, its flooding, sinking land.
    — John Anglim, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • That rings especially true in a region where development looms larger and green spaces are getting smaller.
    — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026
  • The cat quickly shows its true colors, creating trouble in ever-escalating comic situations that are laugh out loud funny and absurd.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Success is often measured by events that never happen because dedicated professionals acted to prevent them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The park receives almost no dedicated state funding, and no other source in New Jersey is equipped to handle recovery on this scale.
    — Remy Schwartz, New York Daily News, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Michael Sloan, a close friend who rode motorcycles with Sanft, according to the report, confirmed his death and remembered the attorney as a devoted friend.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Stallone’s best late-career screenwriting efforts, however, were devoted to his other iconic character, Vietnam vet and one-man killing machine John Rambo.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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