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faithful

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word faithful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of faithful are constant, loyal, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," 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 might constant be a better fit than faithful?

The words constant and faithful can be used in similar contexts, but constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When would loyal be a good substitute for faithful?

While the synonyms loyal and faithful are close in meaning, 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 faithful?

Although the words resolute and faithful have much in common, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When can staunch be used instead of faithful?

The synonyms staunch and faithful 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 could steadfast be used to replace faithful?

The meanings of steadfast and faithful 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 faithful
Adjective
Martin’s initial idea was to do a faithful replication based on original construction blueprints, photos and films. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025 In another development, the Vatican announced that Francis would appear Sunday morning to bless faithful from his 10th floor suite at the hospital. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
Juan Soto will make his return to Yankee Stadium on May 16, when he likely will be booed mercilessly by the New York faithful. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 Soon, Red Sox faithful would sit enthralled listening to SUPER SOX ’75. Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • The network specializes in developing, distributing, and marketing talk radio shows that become appointment listening events for loyal audiences.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Clearly, The Wine Group values the loyal followings these brands currently enjoy.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The employees will co-own the business with the City Startup Labs through a workers cooperative, according to the Charlotte nonprofit.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, the best AI literacy programs find ways to benefit from and contribute to partnerships and cooperatives in industries and academia.
    Ben Jones, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Johnston was both a patriotic American and a loyalist to the state that sent him to Congress.
    Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • With Democrats in the minority in both chambers of Congress and the Trump administration staffed by loyalists aiming to root out public and private dissent, the courts are liberals’ main venue for meaningful opposition to the president.
    Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company’s commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast.
    Susanne Biro, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The administration's steadfast message in recent days has been that the tariffs were coming and there was no way out.
    Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • When each channel is evaluated independently, the true value of awareness campaigns becomes invisible.
    Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Last Joel had heard from him came from a radio tower in Cody, Wyoming. Episode 6 saw Joel and Ellie happen upon Tommy’s new people, a group living in a commune in Jackson, Wyoming.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Five years on, Ellie has settled in a seemingly bucolic commune in Jackson, Wyoming, although a world-shattering lie about her past is about to catch up with her.
    Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Video shared on social media shows one soldier donning an Arizona Wildcat flag descending rapidly before rolling over upon impact.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Canned goods and other non-perishables had to be sent to our soldiers who were fighting for our freedom.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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