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 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 Its themes of kindness and resilience, of steadfast courage against evil, remain a source of inspiration for these readers, even as their feelings about the books are complicated by so much baggage. Séamas O'Reilly, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026 Value meets discipline as the almighty Sun conjoins steadfast Saturn in your 2nd House of Finances, encouraging thoughtful stewardship. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026 Trump’s threat drew criticism even from his most steadfast supporters among the regime’s opposition, including Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince in exile since the 1979 Islamic revolution, who issued a rare condemnation. Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • The color palette changed so that the attire of the Cogsworth character — the Beast’s loyal majordomo who has been transformed into a clock — is now green rather than brown.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
  • If New York City no longer loves TR, Medora has remained loyal.
    Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spain has been one of Israel's staunchest critics, electing to withdraw its ambassador to the country last month in protest of its actions in the Middle East.
    NBC News, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The move adds to longstanding concern among health experts that chaos and political interference under Kennedy—a staunch anti-vaccine activist who has long falsely maligned COVID-19 vaccines—is deeply undermining science at federal agencies and beyond.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Warner is the most faithful studio for Cannes.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Wolverines faithful in the crowd went ballistic, knowing how much that basket meant considering what UConn has been able to do in this tournament.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For svn4vr, a devout Christian whose music grapples with the demands of faith, the impulsive workflow conveys a religious fervor.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Her earliest moments in the show have shades of a western—No Country for Old Men with a side of devout Trump supporters, sniffer dogs, petrifying cronies, and balloons stuffed with fentanyl and swallowed with lube.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to a Chicago Blackhawks team source, those reports — that the PWHL would be coming to the Blackhawks’ facility — are not true.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • In fairness to Brown, this is true.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Knicks, as head coach Mike Brown said ahead of tipoff, have their dedicated nine-man rotation set for the playoffs.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The dedicated volunteers and staff at Abandoned Pet Rescue have been the key to the organization’s longevity, Hansen said.
    Amanda Rosa April 9, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But its audience is a devoted one, from start-up founders to wealthy investors to executives.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026
  • With a few exceptions, the first two levels are devoted to general classroom spaces that are used by any program in the university.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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