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 By the end of the primary, Moulton had apologized for his November 2024 remarks — and Markey’s steadfast support for trans rights was part of his re-election argument. David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Parton wrote her own rules—and lived by her steadfast Christian faith. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 But the same steadfast pursuit that’s placed the attorney at the center of nearly every call for racial justice in the past decade has earned Crump more than a few detractors. Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 In spite of the steadfast testimony of those who went over the antlers as meticulously as anyone could, there are still many detractors. Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Trump carried Mahoning by more than 10,000 votes, a remarkable reversal in a previously loyal Democratic county that Obama had won by nearly 30 percentage points just 12 years earlier.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Ryen Wickham, a youth athlete and loyal Mahomes fan in Nebraska, celebrated the season opener of the Kansas City Chiefs Monday by reposting an adorable video of herself as a little girl meeting the team’s quarterback.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the nations attending the meeting in western Ukraine's Ivano-Frankivsk region, such as Poland and Romania, have been staunch supporters of Ukraine.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Some of the nations attending the meeting in western Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region, such as Poland and Romania, have been staunch supporters of Ukraine.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful?
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Austin Simmons had quite the introduction to the Mizzou faithful Thursday night.
    PJ Green September 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The early Robin Hood was no polished folk hero, Jones says, but a violent, devout yeoman pushed to society’s edge by corrupt officials.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Johnny Cash was a lot of things — devout Christian, country superstar, anti-Vietnam activist, variety show host.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Showrunner Felicia Pride brought the concept to the streaming service with a goal to modernize the look and feel of the show while staying true to much of the feeling from the original.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
  • As much as there’s little room for nuance in the interval of frenzied overreaction that is Week 1 of the NFL season, two seemingly contradictory statements can be true at the exact same time.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Cons No checking account or ATM access, so this works best as a dedicated savings account paired with another bank.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Drivers can trigger the car's full performance via a dedicated illuminated red GTI button on the steering wheel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Founded by Ralph Nader, the American Museum of Tort Law is the first and only museum of its kind devoted to educating the public about tort law.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Jackie died last month after a weeks-long battle with a mysterious illness, setting off a torrent of heart-wrenching tributes and messages from her devoted fans who hailed from around the globe.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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