faithful 1 of 2

Definition of faithfulnext

faithful

2 of 2

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

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

Example 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
When single adults hear, again and again, that the fullest version of faithful life is married life, many do not feel called upward. Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026 That said, many Mets faithful were, heading into the season, wary of how president of baseball operations David Stearns had gone about remaking a roster that had undeniably disappointed in 2025 but was full of homegrown heroes. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
As someone who attended Red Sox games as a kid, Schlittler is familiar with how harsh the Fenway faithful can be, especially when the Yankees are in town. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 Once a Red Sox fan himself — Schlittler attended the club’s 2004 championship parade with his father, John — the Yankees’ right-hander and his family were harassed by the Fenway faithful before and after that outing for the ages. Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faithful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faithful
Adjective
  • Scott Quigley, a loyal minion of yet another septuagenarian Democrat hack DA, Marian Ryan of Middlesex County.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Locals often describe Elizabeth Creamery as a hidden gem — a small, friendly spot with homemade ice cream and a loyal following that keeps people coming back.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While both weight and waist circumference can indicate health, waist circumference is more accurate.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That would make recovery relatively straightforward, if labor-intensive—were Iran, in fact, cooperative.
    Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In May 1935, the rival news organizations formed AAP as a non-profit cooperative to supply their clients with accurate coverage of international events, ostensibly free from political partisanship or bias.
    Kevin Patrick, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These influencers stoke online backlash and invite criticism from the right while charming casual fans and Democratic loyalists.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Replacing them with loyalists could help Warsh get rates down faster.
    Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Alex Harring,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But certainly nothing may have damaged their trust more than the steadfast assertions that the COVID vaccines were able to stop infection and transmission.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Their families both have expressed steadfast support of Broadnax's execution.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And earlier this month, armed attacks on a police station in the commune of Marigot in the country’s south left at least six dead, according to police.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For two hours, Claire Jefferies wanted to get away from the war in Iran and the rising gas prices and just commune with nature.
    Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a 1916 study, Navy soldiers seemed to better learn Morse code when it was played overnight.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Ryan shot back, quoting a soldier from the CBS report, that telling the truth is important.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faithful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faithful. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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