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 Community supporter and legal advocate Over decades in South Florida, Klock earned a reputation as a formidable advocate, a mentor to younger lawyers and a steadfast supporter of the community. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Some parents are steadfast in their belief that public schools are not for them. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 But the companies with the most durable, steadfast brands rarely built them through visibility. — Sophie Attwood, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic. — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Some residents say Netanyahu failed to deliver security or attend to the north; others remain loyal and argue Israel should strike Hezbollah harder.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Name brands still have loyal customers, but the momentum behind private label suggests recognizable packaging is no longer the deciding factor in what shoppers put in their carts.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Predominantly Muslim Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic or direct economic ties with Israel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The billionaire developer lost to Bass in the 2022 election, and was a staunch critic of the mayor for her response to the 2025 Palisades fire.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Between Hail Marys, the half a dozen faithful ask God to save both their souls and the 175-year-old church that many of them have belonged to for years and, in some cases, generations.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Housed in a walk-in room situated within a larger exhibition hall, the Castelli copy is so faithful that even the gallery’s parquet floor has been reconstructed here.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim and contract killer who travels across Houston in an effort to protect his three children following the death of his wife.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Skillet now regularly shares stages with a wide range of acts, from the devout to the secular, including Korn, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Disturbed, and Papa Roach.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Andrew Durand, with his handsome crab-apple features, makes a perfectly quizzical Benjamin; Kelsee Kimmel is stirring as his true love, who shares his age just once.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On has collaborated with an impressive roster of partners over the last 16 years, from tennis legend Roger Federer to Spanish fashion house Loewe, all while staying true to its mission of celebrating movement.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The foundation will also create a dedicated racial justice fund.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the extra space, Fairmont Gold Lounge access adds excellent value through all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a dedicated concierge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The devoted fans of the Boys in Blue have also had a chance to react.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Dickens — a devoted patriarch — took custody of all his children save for his eldest son.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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