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 Former Nuggets coach Michael Malone was a steadfast lobbyist for his center, arguing that Jokic’s three previous MVPs and subsequent voter fatigue were playing a role in the narrative throughout this season. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 May 2025 Beyond a fashion context, the brand has amassed a steadfast, non-fashion fanbase who wear theirs for actual hikes rather than around SoHo. Alice Cary, Vogue, 19 May 2025 These happy few have resisted the pressure to expand Medicaid, maintaining a steadfast commitment to prioritizing vulnerable populations. Jennifer Butler, National Review, 18 May 2025 At the shoot, even as Lyonne — who also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer on Poker Face — ups the ante of each take with her signature improv chops, the dogs remain steadfast, focusing on their handlers (and okay, yes, also the treats) to nail every shot. EW.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • The friends not keen on competing become our valiant team of producers — recording content and posting updates live for our loyal Instagram fanbase (almost 200 followers).
    Mia Venkat, NPR, 31 May 2025
  • His close friends and colleagues often described him as loyal, deeply thoughtful, and warm in his own way—just not overly expressive.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Macgregor, a staunch anti-interventionist, advocates for dropping Russian sanctions completely rather than imposing more, and argues the U.S. national strategic interests do not conflict with Russia’s.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
  • Makary, who was sworn in to lead the FDA on April 1, is a controversial Johns Hopkins University surgeon and researcher who gained national attention as a staunch critic of the federal response to COVID.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • But being faithful to existing customers is one of her most important obligations.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Normally the complaint with an adaptation is that the show or film's creators are ruining the story somehow by being insufficiently faithful to the source material and losing something in the process.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Has there been a negative response from devout Catholics to you guys at all? Trad Caths are crazy.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • The record that Booker broke belonged to the late South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond, a devout segregationist, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • In 2023, the department became one of the few agencies in the country to open a dedicated wellness room for its officers.
    Katja Ridderbusch, NPR, 26 May 2025
  • Feige was hailed as a dedicated employee who worked for the DEP for 33 years in the marine section of operations.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • By statute, three quarters of that money is devoted to television, one quarter to radio.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • Newsletter Get our high school sports newsletter Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Newcomer Davante Adams, 32, and Puka Nacua, 25, will complement one another, giving the Rams their best veteran tandem at receiver since Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. fueled the Super Bowl-winning offense.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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