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 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
  • What began as grassroots efforts—pop-up shops, a stall at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and road trips across California in a 1968 Airstream trailer to connect with customers—has blossomed into a loyal local following.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Senate’s confirmation hearing of Russell Vought, one of Washington’s staunchest advocates for cutting spending, offered a preview Wednesday of the bruising spending wars likely to consume Congress this year.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Internationally, Israel's staunchest allies have largely stood by it during its war in Gaza, but that support has been coupled with the strongest criticism in a generation and widespread calls for a ceasefire from the United States and others.
    Keir Simmons, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Standard and Natural show faithful color; the difference between them is in contrast, Standard has a punchier look, while Natural opens up shadows for more dynamic range.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Asghari, also a faithful, is identified as Britney Spears’ ex-husband on the show.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 16 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
  • But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.
    John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
  • By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But dedicated alarm clocks have many ways to get you up and out of bed.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
  • One unique example is Happy Days, which never had its own dedicated pilot.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An 85-year-old mother and devoted pet owner is among the victims of the fires in Los Angeles.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Bondi’s many red flags Bondi, on the other hand, has been conspicuously devoted to Trump to the point of raising red ethical flags.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 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
  • For a new league, things felt normal — in a good way.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 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 30 Jan. 2025.

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