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 As for Buffalo’s on-ice performance and whether the league is concerned about how long this drought has gone on, Bettman was steadfast in his belief in the market and ownership. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 And yet, flipping through Erdem’s new book with him in his showroom — a celebration of 20 years in business — I was struck by how steadfast his vision remains. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 The perfect brow arches and pinky brown lips from the ‘90s, or the dramatic cat-eyes from the ‘60s, are classics that have remained steadfast in many a makeup routine. Essence, 6 Oct. 2025 Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • The outlet also opined that someone who is brought into a business venture because of their loyalty to MAGA could feel more pressure to remain loyal.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The Nazi regime urged pastors to join a nationalist Reich Church more loyal to Adolf Hitler than to God.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Seeking a second consecutive term on council, Gillette is notable on the council for his staunch conservative views, including supporting an anti-transgender sports ban voted in by the council in 2023.
    PJ Green October 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • He's been a staunch supporter of the death penalty from day one, as illustrated by the toy electric chairs on his desk.
    Haley BeMiller, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But yeah, the film is very, very faithful to the screenplay.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In a steady rain, about 80 faithful from around Northern California congregated outside the California state Capitol on Tuesday in Sacramento to celebrate the 32nd birthday of Charlie Kirk, the MAGA youth pundit who was shot and killed on a college campus last month.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many Latin acts, particularly from Puerto Rico, are devout Christians but don’t share their beliefs in their music.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Gender and sexuality A devout Christian, Kirk spoke often of his support for traditional family values, promoting the importance of raising children.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true of modern warfare.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Mathis has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks alongside teammate and fellow true freshman Sidney Stewart.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The helipad, which owners can reserve on a dedicated website from anywhere around the world, according to co-listing agent Jill Hertzberg of the Jills Zeder Group, speaks to an emerging trend around fly-in communities.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • These fabrics are part of Cone’s Lofty Edit concept and are a dedicated capsule of ecru and PFD fabrics designed specifically for garment dye color.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In this age of speed and content almost forced into our brains, only the most devoted readers look beyond familiar names to discover new international voices, often hidden behind unpronounceable names.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But in 2004, the team played its final game at Olympic Stadium, crushing the hearts of legions of devoted fans.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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