steadfast
adjective
Ellen Glasgow 
Did you know?
Steadfast has held its ground for many centuries. Its Old English predecessor, stedefæst, combines stede (meaning "place" or "stead") and fæst (meaning "firmly fixed"). The word was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground, which led to its "immovable" sense. That sense gave way to the word's use as an adjective implying unswerving faith, loyalty, or devotion.
Synonyms
- constant
- dedicated
- devoted
- devout
- down-the-line
- faithful
- fast
- good
- loyal
- pious
- staunch
- stanch
- steady
- true
- true-blue
Example Sentences
Fox News, 15 Sep. 2022 Many posted emojis of diamonds and hands—internet shorthand for someone who holds steadfast to their investments even when there is rising pressure to sell. Akane Otani, WSJ, 21 Aug. 2022 Contrary to what algorithms on social media may showcase, veganism has been steadfast for generations in communities of color, which is especially noticeable in Baltimore, a minority-majority city. Ashley Barrientos, Baltimore Sun, 16 Aug. 2022 Borisov has since walked back those comments, but Krikalev was more steadfast in his assessment of the partnership. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 4 Aug. 2022 The Chinese companies, however, remain steadfast about the India. Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 27 July 2022 His presence was steadfast through changing landscapes, both physical and political. Gaya Gupta, Washington Post, 3 July 2022 Herzog doesn’t engage with any of the actual reasons Onoda remained so bizarrely steadfast, preferring instead to see him as yet another person trapped in a dream-narrative created to justify the absurdity of the world. Ryu Spaeth, The New Republic, 2 June 2022 While the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene condemns the use of the bodega cats, deli owners and customers alike are steadfast in their adoration of them. Fox News, 8 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Middle English stedefast, from Old English stedefæst, from stede + fæst fixed, fast
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
steadfast
adjective
steadfast
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- loyal
- staunch
- faithful
- devout
- true
- dedicated
- devoted
- good
- constant
- steady
- pious
- ardent
- fervent
- stanch
- unwavering
- resolute
- fast
- passionate
- true-blue
- dependable
- reliable
- dutiful
- trustworthy
- solid
- unfaltering
- responsible
- trusty
- enthusiastic
- unhesitating
- determined
- down-the-line
- tried
- intent
- sworn
- impassioned
- tried-and-true
- inveterate
- avid
- fervid
- serious
- confirmed
- dyed-in-the-wool
- gung ho
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- faithless
- fickle
- unfaithful
- inconstant
- treacherous
- disloyal
- traitorous
- perfidious
- false
- unreliable
- untrue
- untrustworthy
- faltering
- undependable
- irresponsible
- hesitant
- uncertain
- recreant
- irresolute
- shaky
- wavering
- dubious
- dispassionate
- vacillating
- apathetic
- uninterested
Synonym Chooser
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.
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.
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.
While in some cases nearly identical to steadfast, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.
The meanings of resolute and steadfast largely overlap; however, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.
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.