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faithful

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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

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 faithful
Adjective
These models remain faithful to the original Flieger designs from the 1940s. Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Richie Grainge remained largely faithful to her style. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
This was done prior to the former president taking the stage and whipping his faithful into a frenzy, because of air traffic restrictions. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024 There were common complaints — everyone who spoke with NBC News encouraged Jerry Reinsdorf to sell the team — but ultimately still a loyalty among the Chicago faithful on what could have been an infamous night. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for faithful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Now, Red Lobster is trying to balance keeping its loyal customers while trying to shake its stodgy image to attract younger ones.
    Maya Huter, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Cox, who ran on a platform of restoring trust in Santa Clara’s government, could be a loyal ally of Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who is losing Councilmember Kathy Watanabe’s support in District 1 to term limits.
    Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Provide accurate and real-time tracking of their shipments, and make sure your processes are end-user-friendly.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Athleta is celebrating Singles Day early with 25% off everything Shop early Black Friday purse deals for up to 85% off Coach, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Rural electric cooperatives are pressing for major changes to the Senate bipartisan permitting bill.
    Daniel Moore, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Many winegrowers belong to a cooperative, Vignerons Ile de Ré, in Le Bois Plage-en-Ré, which provides free tastings of a limited selection of local wines and spirits.
    Jo Rodgers, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Gaetz, a Trump loyalist known for being a rabble-rouser in Congress, has a law degree and briefly practiced law in Florida before entering politics, but has never worked as a prosecutor.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • World & Nation Israel’s prime minister appoints a former rival to strengthen his hold on office Sept. 29, 2024 Gallant will be replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, a Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister who was a junior officer in the military.
    Josef Federman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Still, the coach had remained steadfast in his support of Moss in spite of those mistakes.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Lo knows to play a long game, and plans to remain steadfast while waiting for the turmoil to subside.
    Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This is especially true if a maker has a particular project or range of projects in mind.
    Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Hospital officials have said that's not true – and, in fact, would be a violation of a new Ohio law.
    Amber Hunt, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024
  • Many of these structures are now crumbling, the communes depopulated.
    Christine Ro, Longreads, 17 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • The memorial pays tribute to the 19 special ops soldiers and Navy SEALS killed during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005, including Cupertino residents Matt Axelson and James Suh.
    Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • That keeps casualties low, even in a land war, which is usually very deadly for soldiers and civilians.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near faithful

Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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