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 Other companies have also not been so steadfast in their DEI commitment. Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025 Claims by the Russian president that his country is ready for peace negotiations appear, to many observers of its three-year war, highly suspect given Russia’s ongoing attacks on its neighbor and its steadfast refusal to date to agree to any temporary truce. Lena Surzhko Harned, The Conversation, 19 Feb. 2025 Bassett joins the cast as Evelyn Mitchell, the steadfast current president who entrusts Mullen with his assignment. Raven Brunner, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025 As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • His comments came during an hourlong interview with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a loyal supporter of President Trump, in the governor’s new podcast.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, militants loyal to Assad have killed a further 147 people – 26 civilians and 121 security forces – SNHR’s director Fadel Abdul Ghani said.
    Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some conservatives who were formerly staunch supporters of aid to Ukraine began praising Trump’s more isolationist stance after the meeting last week.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow and director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, is also a staunch free speech proponent.
    Tovia Smith, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Duke phenom Cooper Flagg got a standing ovation from the Cameron Indoor faithful on Monday night in what may have been his final home game in a Blue Devil uniform.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Vatican officials can be faithful to the highest standards of their religion, truly wishing to serve the church and the common good of humanity.
    Daniel Speed Thompson, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The pontiff is resting, the Vatican's press office said publicly on Wednesday morning, in one of its twice-daily updates that have drawn the close attention of devout Catholics worldwide.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Fields, on the other hand, seems to be actively encouraging the love between Irving and Burt’s innies to blossom, due to his devout religious beliefs, which frame innies as separate entities with their own souls.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But while Connecticut is largely forested, only about one-tenth of 1% of all forest land in the state is considered true old-growth forest.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This becomes even more true if a recession does result.
    Steve Banker, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Brave, defiant in the face of evil and dedicated to his lifes purpose.
    The Editors, National Review, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The late actor, who died last month at the age of 95, was unwaveringly dedicated to his craft, but found certain parts of the gig frustrating, director Barry Sonnenfeld recalled to BBC News in an interview published on Saturday, March 1.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2014, the devoted beauty brand joined the L’Oréal family, a move that helped propel the brand to an even wider audience while maintaining its authenticity.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Yet even his most devoted followers struggle to articulate exactly what that means.
    Rachel Hills, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The ‘90s was good to the magazine industry for the most part.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Although their relationship shifted over the years, Colby recalled his mom always having his best interest at heart during the early years of his childhood.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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