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 With her steadfast vision and the solid craftsmanship of the clothes, Trotter plumbs still waters to conjure a universe in which control and release coexist. Vogue, 27 Sep. 2025 As steadfast as the Deadheads are, though, hardcore Metallica fanatics may be even more extreme. Paul Liberatore, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 After that harrowing hike up the boulder field, the nerve-wracking exposure of our search site has pushed even this steadfast high-drive purebred over threshold. Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025 Hendrix, from the League of Women Voters, remains steadfast against Colorado stepping back from its reforms. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • The deputy’s body camera footage shows the loyal dog leading her straight to the spot where his owner’s mother had fallen.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Beneath Nkrumah’s elaborate rhetoric, Mazrui argued, lay a simple drive to consolidate control through a one-party state that would inevitably empower only his most loyal—and least thoughtful—allies.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Related Stories Borgonzoni, who is a member of Italy’s right-wing government and oversees the country’s cinema department, is a staunch local industry advocate.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The speculations are rife with staunch reason justifying why Tesla could embrace this big shift this month.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Any optimism lies in the Johnson faithful and WWE fans showing up.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Many faithful will fast from food and water for 25 hours beginning at the start of Yom Kippur.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Alongside her estranged husband Ryan, the devout Moses (Hill), and new allies Samson (Feliz) and Delilah (Obsidian), Virginia must outmaneuver billionaire cult leader Luther Bell, played with magnetic menace by Esposito.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Howard was remembered as a devout member of his church and a stubborn, loving patriarch.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Watching my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt serve as loyal members of this sorority shaped my understanding of what true sisterhood and service look like.
    Essence, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With markets looking unperturbed, that might turn out true sooner if nothing serious comes in the way of the bulls.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Employees who do work on release day might be distracted by a lively group chat, as 10% of fans report their company has a dedicated Swiftie channel on Slack or Teams.
    Kristen Parisi, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In Birmingham, Selfridges is planning another beauty hall, which will reach completion in November with 37 new counters and a dedicated fragrance space.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Housing a collection encompassing six decades of Husain’s practice, including paintings, films, tapestries, photographs, poetry, and installations, the museum will be the world’s first and largest devoted to the artist’s work.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Best Nike Shox Sneakers to Shop in 2025 Even the most devoted, new release–chasing sneakerheads can have a tough time determining what the ultimate It-shoe of the moment is.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerzka and the others did their best to comfort them, to bandage small wounds; the most critically injured were already at the hospital.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But in one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt so far, Zubimendi quickly went about making a difference.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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