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 The always reliable Shannon is equally effective in the role of the steadfast lead prosecutor, and the supporting performances are uniformly powerful — especially Leo Woodall (best known for the second season of The White Lotus) in the role of Sgt. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 Flo & Eddie Throughout, Volman and Kaylan remained steadfast, founding their own rock-comedy duo after the dissolution of the Turtles in 1970. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025 In 1964, the Italian writer Lalla Romano received this compliment from one of her most steadfast admirers, and one of her editors at the publishing house Einaudi, Italo Calvino. Brian Robert Moore september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 Both China and North Korea have remained steadfast supporters of Putin during his war in Ukraine and amid rebuke from the West. Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Somehow, the upper hand never lingers long with Sally and Barnaby, drolly played by Gunning and Corden as a conniving Tweedledee and Tweedledum, loyal to no one and convinced their venality is justified by their father’s history of terrible parenting.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike the last two prime ministers, Lecornu has been a loyal lieutenant at the center of the president’s project in government, Lazar said.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gaines, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, called out a Minnesota high school whose softball team won a state championship in June with a transgender pitcher rostered on the team.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Everyone is done with her, perhaps no one more than Jess, once her staunch defender.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Some were faithful copies, while others were reproduced in different colors or fabrics to lend a visual unity to the scene, which is designed to mirror the eerie fairy-tale aesthetic of the fashion film within the film.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Much of that popularity is thanks to a concerted campaign by the Vatican to give the next generation of faithful a relatable, modern-day role model, who used his technological talents to spread the faith.
    Jessie Wardarski, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His devout love for these sneakers has also turned my grandma into a convert, and now the two happily sport their Kiziks all over Thailand, walking from food stall to food stall.
    Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The governor and first lady Maria Lee, both devout Christians, have been involved in missionary work and have helped refugees in the Nashville area.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Designed for just 20 guests across 12 opulent suites (including two dedicated solo cabins), the vessel offers an unprecedented blend of privacy, comfort and adventure.
    Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The success of Ron's original ​Wattpad novels translated seamlessly to screen, ​a​ttracting a devoted fanbase that has eagerly awaited each installment.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • George Clooney plays the titular protagonist, a famous movie actor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All of the cats who tested this litter adjusted to it quickly and easily — some even had a little play date in their box, kicking and scratching, which is a good sign!
    Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Leisure’s best new hotels of 2021, Wander the Resort offers 10 luxurious glass-and-timber cabins along the quiet northern shores of West Lake.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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