constant

adjective

ˈkän(t)-stənt How to pronounce constant (audio)
Definition of constantnext
1
as in steady
not undergoing a change in condition change is the only constant thing in the world of fashion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in frequent
appearing or occurring repeatedly from time to time I get constant headaches during humid weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something constant friends during times both good and bad

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of constant are faithful, loyal, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When might faithful be a better fit than constant?

In some situations, the words faithful and constant are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would loyal be a good substitute for constant?

Although the words loyal and constant have much in common, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is it sensible to use resolute instead of constant?

The words resolute and constant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

In what contexts can staunch take the place of constant?

The synonyms staunch and constant are sometimes interchangeable, but staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When can steadfast be used instead of constant?

The meanings of steadfast and constant largely overlap; however, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

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 constant Vulnerable seedlings need constant care, monitoring at least every other day to avoid drying out. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025 The soaring price of eggs has emerged as a constant political talking point for both parties. — Soo Youn, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 But the constant movement within the position should also motivate the Chiefs to keep the position on their radar at the draft, even if not atop the list. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025 Sheinbaum emphasized that her Cabinet, including key security and trade officials, remains in constant contact with U.S. counterparts. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constant
  1. steady
  2. frequent
  3. steadfast
  4. unchanging
  5. periodic
  6. staunch
  7. stable
  8. repeated
Adjective
  • Unlike non-porous stainless steel, which doesn’t provide exposure to oxygen, concrete enables slow and steady oxygenation.
    — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2025
  • While this is promising, grocery stores are taking a measured approach before lowering prices, waiting to see if wholesale declines hold steady rather than immediately adjusting retail prices.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of steady
Adjective
  • The expansion of both international and local production has increased the availability of skilled crew members in the Dominican Republic, trained either through hands-on experience or frequent workshops.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As for The Alchemist, the collaborative Life Is Beautiful with 2 Chainz and frequent collaborator Larry June was issued earlier this year.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of frequent
Adjective
  • Seven years later, Trump remains steadfast in his support of the act, giving advocates on both sides of the aisle a sense of cautious optimism about the possibility of more reform.
    — Taylor Millard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In many ways, however, the tradition and Peterson’s dedication to it remain steadfast.
    — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • As the new year gets underway, leaders are tasked with balancing innovation—a key to staying competitive and efficient—with the unchanging priority of delivering exceptional patient care.
    — Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • In San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, the unchanging threat of fentanyl despite changing overdose rates could not be clearer.
    — Kevan Shah, The Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2024
Definition of unchanging
Adjective
  • And in spite of market turbulence caused by Mr. Trump's tariff threats, some experts think stocks are likely to gain strength in the months to come, although not without periodic bouts of volatility.
    — Alain Sherter, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Conducting periodic retrospectives, creating an iterative feedback loop with stakeholders, and breaking down your strategy into manageable, agile pieces all helps to maintain alignment and enable progression toward business-objective achievement.
    — Forrester, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of periodic
Adjective
  • The Healey administration remains a staunch opponent of natural gas as a new poll indicates Bay Staters prefer the energy source over renewables, and as the feds aim to revive a pipeline project that could lower utility costs by $1 billion.
    — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This time, however, the shift from Ukraine toward Russia is being embraced by key political allies of Trump who have long claimed to be staunch conservatives.
    — Mark Sandy, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of staunch
Adjective
  • Learning the art and science of how to keep these boats stable is a work in progress.
    — Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Those fuel costs resulted in a 3 percent increase in total costs per ground package on a sequential basis, and kept the costs relatively stable on a year-over-year basis.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • The pitcher has not made an appearance in a regular-season game since 2022 due to repeated injuries.
    — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
  • For decades, extreme weather events have been increasing in number and destructiveness, providing repeated reminders of the urgency of addressing climate change’s costs to our economy and financial system.
    — John Kostyack, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of repeated

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Cite this Entry

“Constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constant. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on constant

Nglish: Translation of constant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constant

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