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 The iconic late-night veteran has remained steadfast by the side of his wife, Mavis Leno, since her advanced dementia diagnosis was disclosed in 2024. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026 As the situation escalated, the other Black passenger conceded and moved, but Colvin remained steadfast. Essence, 15 Jan. 2026 Pricing reflects ‘true market’ FIFA’s Infantino has been steadfast in his defense of ticket prices. Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 Booth was steadfast about his draft picks. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • But beyond his professional accomplishments, Andy was a special person and a dear and loyal friend.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The last time a president leaned on a loyal Fed chair to juice the economy with lower rates, the results were ugly.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump’s remarks regarding firearms since the death of Pretti have stirred major concerns among his GOP base, the majority of whom are staunch defenders of the Second Amendment.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Raymond, a quadriplegic for over a decade, has spent years as Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority Board of Commissioners, taking on the city's staunch preservationists.
    Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Acclaimed for its dedication to long-form storytelling, early CGI VFX attempts, and faithful depiction of spaceflight physics, its online fanbase remains massive and the show is remembered as a space opera operating on a sophisticated level.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The text is unchanged, and the design is faithful to the play’s setting – Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, at the turn of the 20th century.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Schemmel, a devout Christian, has done charitable work for decades, ever since that awful day in July 1989 when 112 people died in a fiery crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
  • No one mistakes him for a devout Christian or a person of faith or morality.
    Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Such should be true for tomorrow as well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The app will bring to the fore true voices endorsed by the fanbases.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Layan Life is Anantara’s first dedicated wellness project.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Deer Valley has plenty of black diamond runs scattered throughout the resort, but this is an entire playground completely dedicated to expert skiers.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What perhaps mattered more than the incendiary headlines or the sheer number of stories both tabloids immediately devoted to this event, however, was the misinformation each was also imparting to the public.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The chief meteorologist, 67, was a devoted husband, father of six and grandfather, the station said.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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