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

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 steadfast Its origins lie in the highest-altitude vineyards of Spain’s Ribera del Duero, cultivated with a steadfast commitment to natural farming methods. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, the late Queen Elizabeth was known for her steadfast Christian beliefs. Marina Watts, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024 Still, the coach had remained steadfast in his support of Moss in spite of those mistakes. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 The trilogy was directed by Zemeckis and written by Bob Gale, and both have been steadfast in their disavowal of further Back to the Future projects. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steadfast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast
Adjective
  • That's a decent-sized majority by modern standards, and most of those Republicans are loyal to Trump and likely to rubber-stamp all his picks.
    Tia Yang, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The very best gifts for Taylor Swift fans go far beyond concert merch and friendship bracelets that the most loyal fans already own.
    Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, has strongly backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of destroying Hamas.
    Reuters, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Republicans framed Vindman as a staunch partisan and were hoping his association to the impeachment would alienate moderate voters to the benefit of Anderson — particularly in a district where Spanberger had grown her popularity around a reputation for bipartisan consensus building.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stephanie Hansen-Quintana, director of organization and movement building at CFC, told The Hill that the group’s work in Latino communities is focused on deep conversations to build a narrative that Catholics can be both pro-choice and faithful.
    Joanne Haner, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Springsteen ministered to the Philly faithful with a three-song acoustic set, performed solo.
    Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Here, the Pacifica played with devout focus, bringing us into the territory of late Beethoven and late Shostakovich.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
  • But that is exactly what the 72-year-old devout Catholic and grandmother has become to some in this northern California county — which has been convulsed by conspiracy theories about voter fraud and other extremist ideologies over the last three years.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 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
  • This is particularly true of Zoia, whose 30-year-old son died in the war.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The second and final look at the Netflix series introduces Jason Davies, played by Andrew Koji, who Helen Webb (Knightley), a dedicated wife and mother and professional spy, met by accident before their affair.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Use a dedicated email platform complete with end-to-end encryption built in, like Proton Mail, for example.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Venetian has also partnered with Kate Byrne and Nicole Sievers, cofounders and podcast hosts and creators of Two Girls 1 Formula — who have built up a devoted fan base of more than 55,000 social media followers.
    Kanika Talwar, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
  • There, the reverend and Sister Deborah initially work in harmony, attracting devoted new converts.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As holiday travel begins, the necessities everyone needs on hand is their phone, a good pair of wireless headphones, and a reliable portable charger to power them up.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Rouge Allure Velvet in Intuitive The Rouge Allure Velvet in Intuitive is a no-brainer nude-pink lipstick that looks good on everyone—trust us.
    Devon Abelman, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near steadfast

Cite this Entry

“Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steadfast. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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