steadfast
Americanadjective
-
fixed in direction; steadily directed.
a steadfast gaze.
-
firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person.
a steadfast friend.
- Synonyms:
- constant, reliable, dependable, sure
- Antonyms:
- variable, capricious
-
unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.
-
firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.
- Synonyms:
- stable
-
firmly fixed in place or position.
- Synonyms:
- stable
adjective
-
(esp of a person's gaze) fixed in intensity or direction; steady
-
unwavering or determined in purpose, loyalty, etc
steadfast resolve
Synonym Usage
Steadfast, staunch, steady imply a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. Steadfast literally means fixed in place, but is chiefly used figuratively to indicate undeviating constancy or resolution: steadfast in one's faith. Staunch literally means watertight, as of a vessel, and therefore strong and firm; figuratively, it is used of loyal support that will endure strain: a staunch advocate of free trade. Literally, steady is applied to that which is relatively firm in position or continuous in movement or duration: a steady flow; figuratively, it implies sober regularity or persistence: a steady worker.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of steadfast
First recorded before 1000; Middle English stedefast, Old English stedefæst; see stead, fast 1
Explanation
Someone who is firm and determined in a belief or a position can be called steadfast in that view, like your mom when she thinks you really shouldn’t wear that outfit. The word steadfast traces back to the Old English word stedefæst, a combination of stede, meaning "place," and fæst, meaning "firmly fixed." Picture a steadfast person standing firmly in place, not wavering or budging an inch, and you’ll have a good sense of what this word means. Someone can be steadfast in a belief, an effort, a plan, or even a refusal. Whatever it is, it means that the person will calmly hold firm to the chosen position and follow through with determination.
Vocabulary lists containing steadfast
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Resuming coverage of the stock with an outperform rating, Macquarie’s analysts highlight what looks like better pricing trends relative to peers including Steadfast.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 2025
A Dutch F-35 jet roared off the runway Tuesday at Volkel airbase in the Netherlands as part of NATO's annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon.
From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025
They’ve worked with Mayor Karen Bass and her office, the local government in the Palisades and Steadfast LA, Rick Caruso’s nonprofit, to find the most efficient and expedient way to rebuild the rec center.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2025
But Exercise Steadfast Dart shows that some lessons are being learned from the war in Ukraine.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2025
"Who did you read out, Meggie? Poor Tinker Bell and the Steadfast Tin Soldier?"
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
