Definition of steadynext
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steady

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noun

steady

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective steady differ from other similar words?

The words equable and even are common synonyms of steady. While all three words mean "not varying throughout a course or extent," steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement.

steady progress

When could equable be used to replace steady?

The meanings of equable and steady largely overlap; however, equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes.

maintain an equable temper

When would even be a good substitute for steady?

While the synonyms even and steady are close in meaning, even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character.

an even distribution

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 steady
Adjective
Following Designing Women, Smart found steady acting gigs before another significant role arrived in 2000. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2026 In the early universe, black holes may have had a steadier food supply and may therefore have been tidier eaters. Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
But if hiring steadies while inflation remains elevated, policymakers may opt to hold rates steady for several months. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 Use a tripod or stand Keeping your phone steady will ensure photos are sharp and crisp, not blurry. Melina Khan, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025
Verb
Defender Diana Cespedes and midfielder Mia Smith, who scored 11 goals last year, return to steady a group looking to rebound from a streaky season that included a five-game unbeaten run and then four straight losses. Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Then came the transition to camera operator, leading him to steady work in music videos and commercials. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steady
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steady
Adjective
  • The cigar lounge was steadfast in Sundance Square throughout Covid and the ever-changing business scene downtown.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • By the end of the primary, Moulton had apologized for his November 2024 remarks — and Markey’s steadfast support for trans rights was part of his re-election argument.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Kevin LaForce, who ran the fund through much of its early growth, left the league in 2021 to join RedBird, which is a frequent 32 Equity collaborator.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • In Pennsylvania, flooding is a frequent and damaging natural hazard.
    Kaleigh Yost, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Often this means employing a one-in, one-out rule, placing her in a near constant circle of life on Facebook Marketplace to avoid clutter.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • For six days straight, the couple went to the registry office but could not submit their documents because of constant air-raid sirens.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Of recognizing the Sisyphean task ahead, the endless, unchanging road diminishing in the distance, and taking another step anyway.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The former Hartford mayor hewed to a simple, unchanging message.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Design for reliable drafts that require structured review rather than aiming for unedited perfection.
    Pat Williams, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Overtime also provides a reliable compensation boost for deputies who can count on extra shifts or hours.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The explosion was ultimately blamed on an O-ring that failed in one the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters, allowing a flame to pierce the external fuel tank.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
  • On that fateful morning, Siby was awakened by a frantic phone call from a co-worker’s wife and turned on his TV to see the North Tower engulfed in flames.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This device uses a beam of inert argon ions to smooth microscopic bumps without disturbing the sample’s underlying chemistry, eliminating the false signals.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Parents who can follow their children’s clues and address their underlying emotions set kids up for long-term success.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When Johannès was left off the EuroBasket squad in 2023, she was caught between the French national team’s staunch requirements and the WNBA’s prioritization rule, which required her to be present for opening day.
    Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steady.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steady. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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