STEADFAST Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

steadfast

adjective

ˈsted-ˌfast

Definition of steadfast next

as in loyal

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something a steadfast supporter of women's rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Still, the former president remained steadfast in his judgment. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 Tehran was Assad’s most steadfast ally throughout the conflict. —

Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024 Despite his impressive achievements, Hight remains steadfast in his decision to focus on his health. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 With government funding set to lapse at the end of the week, Johnson was steadfast that the House must abide by a 72-hour rule, where the clock starts to tee up a vote once bill text is released. —

John Parkinson, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steadfast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steadfast

Adjective

As Trump prepares to move from Mar-a-Lago to the White House Monday, these loyal supporters are among those celebrating his return.

— Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Most judges will probably continue to be loyal to the Constitution, rather than to Trump.

— Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025