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steady

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noun

steady

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective steady differ from other similar words?

The words equable and even are common synonyms of steady. While all three words mean "not varying throughout a course or extent," steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement.

steady progress

When could equable be used to replace steady?

The meanings of equable and steady largely overlap; however, equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes.

maintain an equable temper

When would even be a good substitute for steady?

While the synonyms even and steady are close in meaning, even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character.

an even distribution

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 steady
Adjective
Since the 2005 rezoning of Greenpoint’s industrial waterfront, a steady procession of glass towers has risen along the shoreline, nearly all offering some version of the same pitch: stunning views and luxury living. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 22 Apr. 2025 Appell, which has a volunteer fire department in Avon, also holding steady at 70, said people need to step up and join the department. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
LeBron is living proof that to the steady goes the race. cleveland, 2 Feb. 2023 Lucid sold other shares to other groups, but the deal kept the PIF's overall investment in Lucid steady, at around 62 percent, according to CNBC. Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, 30 Jan. 2023
Verb
Futures steadied after Bloomberg News reported that President Trump would meet with business leaders on Tuesday, with investors on high alert for indications from the White House on possible trade policy shifts. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 The stock steadied Wednesday after plunging nearly 10% the day before, helped by Microsoft unveiling its first quantum computing chip , Majorana 1. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steady
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steady
Adjective
  • Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While she has been officially signed with WWE since 2020, her in-ring appearances have become less frequent.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • This has become the new norm in the western United States as wildfires become more frequent, larger and more catastrophic.
    Laura Dee, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Once the ball moved into more central areas, Lindsey Heaps homed in on it like a heat-seeking missile, putting constant pressure on Kim Little, forcing the Scot back in a way that rarely happens in WSL matches.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Living in New York City in your 20s can get pricey, with rising rent, food and transportation costs — not to mention the constant temptation to try something fun or buy something new.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Typically, scientists think of cratons as unchanging, nigh on eternal.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a strong element of passion in it, whereas my dad’s need to save money was a slow-burning, unchanging aspect of his relation to the world.
    Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This issue was placed on display when Tanner Houck, one of the team's more reliable pitchers, brutally struggled in his last start.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst at TFI Securities, has predicted Touch ID to make a return on the iPhone Fold.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a statement to The Daily Mail, police inspector Alex Dale said that several people immediately rushed to assist the two passengers and helped them to safety before the aircraft burst into flames.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • In 2019, a chopper slammed into the roof of a Manhattan building and burst into flames.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The first step is a medical evaluation to rule out underlying health conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to autism.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Texas health department reported more than 540 measles cases, according to the state’s health department, which confirmed that two unvaccinated children with no underlying health conditions have died from the illness, including an 8-year-old girl.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The loyal throngs of fans that stuck around, even as the crowd dwindled, were duly rewarded when, a few hours later, Lorde arrived in the flesh to perform.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The controversy alienated even our party’s most loyal supporters who felt that party bosses, not Democratic primary voters, were deciding which candidate would emerge in the general election as the Democratic nominee.
    Ken Martin, Time, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steady.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steady. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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