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 Your 11th House of Friendship is uplifted by chatty Mercury, who sextiles Uranus in your steadfast sign before stepping into your quiet zone. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026 The league is steadfast about its accuracy. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Spain and Italy have both denied America use of military bases in their territory; Britain, the erstwhile steadfast ally of America, wavered on the issue, too. Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026 There’s something agonizingly beautiful in waiting—in longing, in steadfast desire. Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Scalping tickets wasn’t new, of course, but Kahn believed that its formalization online provided sports teams, and other entertainment businesses, with valuable information about demand that could enable them to make more money without alienating their most loyal fans.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Kenny has always been loyal, kind, generous with his praise.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In most cases, the first few episodes of a series stream for free, and a viewer pays for the rest; profit is further maximized through a staunch commitment to efficiency, often at the expense of labor standards.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Arbeloa was one of Jose Mourinho’s staunchest defenders during the Portuguese manager’s divisive time in charge from 2010-2013 — when Mourinho fell out with then-captain and Spain icon Iker Casillas.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That said, many Mets faithful were, heading into the season, wary of how president of baseball operations David Stearns had gone about remaking a roster that had undeniably disappointed in 2025 but was full of homegrown heroes.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In 1988, Ralph Hooper purchased the resort, expanding it into a multi-villa property, while remaining faithful to Ladera's roots as an eco-luxury resort integrated in its surroundings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a devout socialist and one of the most vocal opponents of the Pentagon’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran, brushed off the threat of being removed from the alliance.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The Pharisees were the most devout members of ancient Israeli society, and their real agenda was not to trouble Jesus, but to protest against and challenge Rome.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Biscuits, waffles, pancakes and eggs — basically, all your breakfast dreams come true — plus classic diner lunches and home-style dinner staples are coming up fast at a James Beard Award semifinalist’s new restaurant in where Plaza Midwood and Plaza Shamrock meet.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That’s true, said one former counterterrorism official with direct knowledge of the intelligence involved, but there was more to the story.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The five-year, $11 billion project will add 16 miles of express lanes and a dedicated busway with the aim of alleviating traffic on one of Atlanta’s most stressful roads.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Most American medical schools ensure that every student rotates through pediatrics; far fewer require a dedicated geriatrics rotation.
    Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Produced by Red Planet Pictures, a Fremantle company, the show is set in a leafy London suburb and follows devoted couple Alex and Beth, whose picture-perfect life hides a devastating truth.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Set in a leafy London suburb, The Only Suspect follows Alex and Beth, a devoted couple whose picture-perfect suburban life hides a devastating truth.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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