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 In other words, the steadfast commitment to celebrating diversity meant allowing Pakistani men to abuse white girls without consequence. The Editors, National Review, 14 Jan. 2025 What these innovators had in common was a steadfast reliance on human experimentation and creative thinking. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Nintendo, however, remains steadfast in its silence. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025 Its steadfast opposition to Israel muted the unhappiness of the Gazans under its control. Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for steadfast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • As Trump prepares to move from Mar-a-Lago to the White House Monday, these loyal supporters are among those celebrating his return.
    Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Prior to its official foray into international markets, loyal overseas customers consistently generated annual sales volumes of $4.1 million to $5.5 million, accounting for 3 percent of its total annual sales.
    Li Jun, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Jim Acosta, the CNN anchor known for being a staunch critic of Donald Trump and his fierce relationship with the president, is reportedly leaving the network after he was officially pulled from its programming schedule.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Still, even the staunchest barbecue loyalist will admit that relative newcomer Q39, opened in 2014, is well worth your time.
    Caitlin Morton, AFAR Media, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Things got off to a hot start for the Eagles faithful in this game, too, as the home team saw star running back Saquon Barkley score two touchdowns in the first quarter, including one on the Eagles’ first offensive snap of the game to take a commanding lead from the start.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Their outwardly tranquil and faithful domestic life exploded that winter.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Between the lines: Hegseth, who's been married three times, portrays himself as a family man and devout Christian.
    Mike Allen, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
  • This represents a substantive shift among the faithful: For decades, women were always more devout, both in U.S. churches and around the world.
    Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if for the sake of argument that were true, the policy response is not and never can be.
    The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
  • And if so, is that a price the WNBA is willing to pay to stay true to its values?
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But dedicated alarm clocks have many ways to get you up and out of bed.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Via a dedicated tap and recommended to drink only once per day, the mineral water was key to establishing the town as a spa destination during Queen Victoria’s reign.
    Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Much of that money would be better devoted to nuclear power, adaptation, and strengthening resilience to whatever the climate may eventually bring our way.
    The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Thanks to a few lucky die rolls, the Dimension 20 crew strutted out of Madison Square Garden as heroes — though their devoted fans would’ve surely loved them the same even if they had been defeated.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The hotel whose setting and décor is the next best thing to visiting Austria is also full of the real family’s history.
    Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey, contributor, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Posada de las Flores also houses one of the town's best restaurants in its plaza-facing dining room with al fresco seating.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near steadfast

Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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