Definition of steadfastnext

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 Later, Shelton elaborated on his girlfriend’s steadfast encouragement. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026 Trump has placed a steadfast focus on making the United States the global leader in AI. — Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026 The cigar lounge was steadfast in Sundance Square throughout Covid and the ever-changing business scene downtown. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 By the end of the primary, Moulton had apologized for his November 2024 remarks — and Markey’s steadfast support for trans rights was part of his re-election argument. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steadfast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • Both political camps inspire intensely loyal supporters — and fierce opposition.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The post goes on to say that loyal, regular customers are what kept FunDimension afloat.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Both Wiener, a gay man and staunch advocate for the city’s large LGBTQ+ community, and Chan, who immigrated to the city from Hong Kong at age 13 and has deep ties to its large Chinese and immigrant communities, would make history by winning.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The exchange came as Schmitt has billed himself as a staunch sports fan.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Managing Scarcity For Pavlovsky, the main challenge now is to keep his faithful customers happy.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • By automating tasks that once required human discretion, rulers can replace unreliable intermediaries with faithful algorithms that cannot be bribed or manipulated.
    — Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Personas in the hotel’s backstory include a Thai rockstar-slash-antiques collector, a devout Buddhist business tycoon, and a superstar designer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the plot points had changed—the pilgrim’s less-devout husband, for example, was a more robust character.
    — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The court has already said that second half is Congress’ job, and the usual objection — that nobody could tell the difference — is about to stop being true.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But back then, Carla was worth significantly more than Morgan; now, the inverse is true.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In Korea, the service joined TVING and Wavve in a three-way subscription bundle in 2025, shortly after a dedicated TVING Collection launched on Disney+ Japan.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The skin around the eyes is typically thinnest and shows dark circles and dryness first, so an eye balm can give it a light, dedicated step.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • And nobody is more devoted to the format than Superchunk, who have released four different collections of tracks from singles and EPs.
    — Charles Moss, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Kansas Citians may know the central Kansas shop with a devoted small town following from road trips across the state.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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