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

Examples 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 However, Newsom remains steadfast in ensuring that history doesn't repeat itself without a fight. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 Rubio has been a steadfast supporter of Taiwan, a self-governing democracy Beijing has vowed to bring under its control, by force if necessary. Nectar Gan, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 The show, from producers Studio Lambert (part of All3Media), has proved a steadfast hit, with the BBC committing to a fourth season as well as a celebrity edition, which has yet to be cast. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024 Stefanik has been steadfast in her loyalty to Trump. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steadfast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Surpassing 1,000 pages, the tome should be long enough to keep Sanderson's legion of loyal fans sated at least for awhile.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The team began a quick decline after that, a slide that bottomed out last season when the Galaxy fired longtime president Chris Klein amid an embarrassing fan boycott that saw the club’s most loyal supporters refuse to attend matches.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite his legal setbacks, Navarro remains a staunch Trump ally and a vocal critic of U.S.-China trade policies.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The comments, published in 2023 biography of Romney, were sparked by Vance's transformation from a Trump critic to a staunch supporter.
    Zac Anderson, The Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The latest advance marks a victory lap for XRP’s most vocal supporters, who have remained faithful over the years even during Ripple’s battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Wilson’s work has been adapted several times since the premiere of his first Century Cycle play, and many of the newer works have stayed largely faithful to his vision, even after Wilson’s death (and that of his creative partner, the director Lloyd Richards).
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • My best friend fell in love with a devout Catholic.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Hamoudi’s sister is a devout Muslim and a supporter of Hezbollah.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Worse still, the falsehood was a double-down of the AI insisting that the remark was true.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But absent a dedicated desire to solve them, they could be viewed as tediously boring compared to leading the nation on sweeping national issues and global diplomacy.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The attention to detail continues after arrival, with orientation and activities beginning right away, plus an amazingly friendly, dedicated and helpful staff—roughly 400 employees, many of them from multi-generational families working here.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Rexhepi is a devoted student of watchmaking history — the books, magazines, catalogs, and monographs that line the shelves and bookcases of his atelier offer the first clue.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Located just a few steps away from the Plaza de San Diego, this polished hotel serves as a testament to the rich history of the city, operating within a 17th-century structure that was once home to a devoted group of Clarissine nuns.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Joe Buscaglia, Bills beat writer Rams survive Allen’s best ‘hero ball’ Throughout the first half, the Rams’ defense (and Buffalo’s game plan) made Allen look mortal.
    Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Often, leaders have really good intentions to be inclusive, but obstacles or barriers get in the way.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

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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 21 Dec. 2024.

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