Definition of faithfulnext

faithful

2 of 2

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
Jesse Plemons is superb as his mysterious Kenny becomes a key player in all this, and there is also exemplary work from Emma D’Arcy as Lina, Digger’s ever-faithful assistant, and Sophie Wilde who watches over the action with a keen eye. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 Gothic The Gothic print wallpaper is a faithful reproduction of the wallpaper originally used in the staircase hall of a historical building in Worcestershire. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
But beyond that, the classic Mac Studio has seen a surprising evolution, finding a special niche among the AI faithful. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 The Tigers have traveling trophies with Arkansas and South Carolina in the SEC plus a burgeoning series with old Big 12 foe Oklahoma, but nothing riles up the Mizzou faithful like the Jayhawks. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Thus, Mastodon have opened up a random draw process via their Loma Vista artist storefront to ensure loyal fans have a fair chance to purchase the wax.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Unease between loyal staff and well-heeled employers that casts a harsh light on the class divide?
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • An in-home assessment can help identify which windows require replacement and provide more accurate project pricing.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Athletic directors and coaches have been scrambling to make sure players are eligible and parental paperwork is accurate.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Tide Turners cooperative, supported by US Ghanaian non-profit The Or Foundation, runs these weekly beach clean-ups.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The cooperative sought to make land accessible to Black farmers in the Mississippi Delta, not just for health, but for economic empowerment.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Their backing attracted hordes of counterrevolutionaries and Mubarak loyalists.
    — Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The study also found that the media habits of footwear loyalists are lean toward Peacock and women’s sports, while Pinterest sparks ideas and TikTok guides their apparel research.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Some parents are steadfast in their belief that public schools are not for them.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But the companies with the most durable, steadfast brands rarely built them through visibility.
    — Sophie Attwood, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Their investigation takes them to Echo Canyon Farm, a commune run by a charismatic cult leader, Lawrence Cole (Damon Herriman); Tommy had been living there at the time of his death.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Speaking of those chickens, Schreiber—whose fear of poultry started as a child, when his hippie parents moved the family to a commune in Canada—seems to be successfully conquering this particular anxiety.
    — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • By transporting supplies, supporting reconnaissance activities, and assisting with casualty evacuation, unmanned ground vehicles can potentially reduce soldiers’ physical workload while extending their operational reach.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • One priority for Army planners is protecting the identities of soldiers selected to carry out the execution, one official described.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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