steadfast

steadfast
adjective
stead·;fast ;sted-;fast   also  -f;st
Synonyms of steadfast
1
a
: firmly fixed in place : immovable
b
: not subject to change
the steadfast doctrine of original sin
—Ellen Glasgow
2
: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal
her followers have remained steadfast
steadfastly adverb
steadfastness
;sted-;fas(t)-n;s
-f;s(t)-
 noun


Did you know?
Steadfast has held its ground for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, stedef;st, combines stede, meaning "place," and f;st, meaning "fixed." Steadfast was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who literally stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense, as when Sinclair Lewis wrote of "a castle, steadfast among storms." (The word was also once used to describe steady hands, as well as substances that keep their solid, firm state.) These senses were soon joined by one applied to people's character, implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion; arriving in the 12th century, this meaning has remained steady in the English language ever since.

Synonyms
constant
dedicated
devoted
devout
down-the-line
faithful
fast
good
loyal
pious
staunch
stanch
steady
true
true-blue
Choose the Right Synonym for steadfast

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute 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
loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar
constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends
staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech
steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support
resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally
Examples of steadfast in a Sentence
He was steadfast in his support of the governor's policies.
a steadfast supporter of women's rights
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
His daughters, especially Courtney Force Rahal and Brittany Force, along with his wife Laurie, were steadfast in their support.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Boeing raised its wage offer twice after the strike started on Sept. 13 but has been steadfast in opposing the return of pensions.
—David Koenig, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
If production is a family, the producer is the parent who doesn’t kick their child out of the house at 18, but remains steadfast with their support and direction.
—Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024
While league commissioner Cathy Engelbert looked forward to fruitful negotiations, the players’ union leader Terri Carmichael Jackson remained steadfast on making gains for her charges.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2024