faithful 1 of 2

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
At Sunday’s Mass that launched the daylong celebration, López and Ramírez — wearing sequined and embroidered huipil and skirt, colorful ribbons tied in her hair — led a dozen faithful in a traditional barefoot dance bringing the offerings to the altar. Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2025 Asghari, also a faithful, is identified as Britney Spears’ ex-husband on the show. Charna Flam, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
Photo by Travis Rainey The old faithful: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Founded in the late 18th century, Veuve Clicquot is among the oldest Champagne houses in the world. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 Some took umbrage with Jerry Reinsdorf, who's long been the subject of criticism from pundits and the Chicago faithful. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for faithful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
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
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Officials announced this week that developers snagged a multi-million dollar federal grant to help rebuild a historically Black former housing cooperative on Kansas City’s East Side.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The cooperatives provide power to 42 million people across 48 states.
    Daniel Moore, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist, has faced accusations of politicizing his post as director of national intelligence in Trump's first term.
    Axios, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Courts largely rejected those attempts, though some Trump loyalists say that could happen again in the incoming administration.
    Tim Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As those factors emerged, NBA front-office sources remained steadfast that Flagg was the No. 1 pick.
    Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In contrast, Pence, speaking at an educational forum in Taipei, expressed his belief that the United States should remain steadfast in its commitments.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Multigenerational families living together is very true to Latine culture in the United States and beyond.
    Zayda Rivera, Parents, 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
Noun
  • The House of Delamain, located in the commune of Jarnac, in southwestern France, has been making exceptional blends and bottles all resting in dame-jeannes (or demijohns) since 1824.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Nizza is produced in the Monferrato area of the Asti province; there are 18 communes, one of which, Nizza Monferrato, lends its name to the wine.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the years after the Civil War, white politicians in Southern states created multiple holidays to honor Confederate leaders and dead Confederate soldiers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
  • In total, militants killed 64 people and 22 soldiers, and kidnapped 19 people from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on Oct. 7.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near faithful

Cite this Entry

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

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