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 the Chilean student protests of 2006, participants were steadfast in their opposition and applied pressure over the course of several months. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Sometimes live up to three nights a week, Seacrest became the steadfast engine that's kept the juggernaut going for 23 seasons (moving to ABC... after a break). Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Majors, who was convicted in December 2023 of recklessly assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, has spent the past month staging a steadfast attempt at career rehabilitation. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • But the biggest blemish on his career in the eyes of Trump’s most loyal followers is voting to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Whether your loyal friend has paws, feathers, or scales, take time to recognize their essential role in your life.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And if everyone involved is being honest — even his staunchest critics — Sanders has delivered in every way imaginable.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Musk, the world's richest person and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump, made headlines for offering money to those who agreed to sign a petition during the 2024 election.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With this deep mediocre array of right-handers, the O’s faithful will have to watch for incoming projectiles from lefty pull hitters.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
  • This happening in the eighth century attracted a following of monks to the village and became a must stop for faithful pilgrims.
    Valentina Di Donato, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many devout Muslim women cover their faces with a niqab or burqa.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The followers of the Olsens are some of the most devout people in the world.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Given his body type and potential, maybe the same could be true for Williams.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That may be true, but the IEA reports that sales actually continued to grow in the U.S. at greater than a 10% clip.
    Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to seven treatment rooms, an immersive hydrotherapy circuit, and dedicated spaces including a steam room, sauna, whirlpools, a cold plunge, and a full-service salon, every detail is curated to recalibrate the nervous system and ground the senses.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But he's become very dedicated to pursuing even bigger dreams.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And there’s a kind of directness and simplicity, and everything is devoted to the action.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world’s most absurd travel situations.
    Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On the bright side, healthy lifestyle choices, such as a good diet and regular exercise, offer even greater heart health protection for women.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Regular soup consumption has also been associated with a higher intake of vitamins and a lower risk of obesity, which are certainly good reasons to pick up a spoon.
    Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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