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 Macklemore held steadfast to his position — that the ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of children — and found supporters among the other openers on Sheeran’s tour and his backing band, who dropped out in solidarity. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026 But love him or hate him, the former quarterback has remained steadfast. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Later, Shelton elaborated on his girlfriend’s steadfast encouragement. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 Trump has placed a steadfast focus on making the United States the global leader in AI. — Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Thus, Mastodon have opened up a random draw process via their Loma Vista artist storefront to ensure loyal fans have a fair chance to purchase the wax.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Unease between loyal staff and well-heeled employers that casts a harsh light on the class divide?
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of them were put off by élite football’s deliberate lack of culture—staunch apoliticism is easy to sell to Sky Sports—and others had been priced out.
    — Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Lithuania has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during Russian President Vladimir Putin's more than 4½-year conflict with Kyiv, providing extensive military equipment and financial support.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Managing Scarcity For Pavlovsky, the main challenge now is to keep his faithful customers happy.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • By automating tasks that once required human discretion, rulers can replace unreliable intermediaries with faithful algorithms that cannot be bribed or manipulated.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Personas in the hotel’s backstory include a Thai rockstar-slash-antiques collector, a devout Buddhist business tycoon, and a superstar designer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the plot points had changed—the pilgrim’s less-devout husband, for example, was a more robust character.
    — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Each of the elements these folks have contributed, whether a dedicated musical score, meticulous floral arrangements, or a global food profile, has merged to make this project feel singular and special.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Human traffickers are turning children’s hunger, desperation and need for affection into tools of exploitation, a Colorado city police sergeant warned after his dedicated unit’s first year brought dozens of survivors to safety.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • And nobody is more devoted to the format than Superchunk, who have released four different collections of tracks from singles and EPs.
    — Charles Moss, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Kansas Citians may know the central Kansas shop with a devoted small town following from road trips across the state.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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