STEADY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'steady' differ from other similar words?

The words equable and even are common synonyms of steady . While all three words mean "not varying throughout a course or extent," steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement. // steady progress

Q: When could 'equable' be used to replace 'steady'?

The meanings of equable and steady largely overlap; however, equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes. // maintain an equable temper

Q: When would 'even' be a good substitute for 'steady'?

While the synonyms even and steady are close in meaning, even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character. // an even distribution

steady 1 of 3

adjective

ˈste-dē

Definition of steady

as in steadfast

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something even as wild accusations were circulating, she remained steady in her support for the candidate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frequent

appearing or occurring repeatedly from time to time a popular author who produces a steady output of best sellers year after year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in constant

not undergoing a change in condition a steady breeze from the west

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unchanging

not varying support for her presidential bid has been steady

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reliable

worthy of one's trust a quiet but steady man who is one of the pillars of the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

steady

2 of 3

noun

as in flame

Related Words

steady

3 of 3

verb

as in to underlie

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective steady differ from other similar words?

The words equable and even are common synonyms of steady. While all three words mean "not varying throughout a course or extent," steady implies lack of fluctuation or interruption of movement.

steady progress

When could equable be used to replace steady?

The meanings of equable and steady largely overlap; however, equable implies lack of extremes or of sudden sharp changes.

maintain an equable temper

When would even be a good substitute for steady?

While the synonyms even and steady are close in meaning, even suggests a lack of variation in quality or character.

an even distribution

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 steady

Adjective

Reunion films, fan conventions, and a steady stream of syndication have kept the Walton family — and its cast — in circulation long after the original goodnights echoed across the airwaves. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026 While Fingall was starring in Spain, Prechtel became a steady reserve at Stanford. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Noun

But if hiring steadies while inflation remains elevated, policymakers may opt to hold rates steady for several months. — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 Use a tripod or stand Keeping your phone steady will ensure photos are sharp and crisp, not blurry. — Melina Khan, IndyStar, 12 Nov. 2025

Verb

Rebounds for big, influential tech stocks also helped steady the market. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 Your focus and loyalty help steady the conversation while timelines or chores are adjusted. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for steady

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steady

Adjective

Miller has remained steadfast in his commitment to stay in the race despite GOP calls for the second-term congressman to step down, as well as a House Ethics Committee investigation.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026
That interloper was Shadow, who became Jackie's steadfast mate right up until her hospitalization last month.

— Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

Culturelle probiotics tend to be cheaper than Align products and are ideal for those with frequent diarrhea.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Branch staff and similar roles remained fully in-person along with jobs involving frequent travel or client meetings, while senior leadership was expected to continue working consistently from the office.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of frequent

Adjective

Nakashima didn’t win those points, but his aggression forced Jódar into constant defense, and scrambling to find workaround after workaround took its toll on the teenager.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Shraddha relished Kabita’s innocence and was amused by her constant, occasionally nonsensical, chatter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of constant

Adjective

The former Hartford mayor hewed to a simple, unchanging message.

— Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
On just one unchanging set, an old-time concert hall designed by Rachel Hauck and made appropriately ominous, a tiny ensemble enacts a whole Greek tragedy of love and sacrifice that goes from the land of the living to the underworld and back.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of unchanging

Adjective

Demand planning capabilities on the Blue Yonder Platform utilize patented algorithms and advanced machine learning models to ensure that demand forecasting is not only highly accurate, but reliable.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026
Later reports would place the bear’s weight as high as 600 pounds, but the most reliable estimates were less than 250.

— Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of reliable

Verb

Its underlying architecture is an entirely new, proprietary aluminum spaceframe developed by Ken Okuyama Cars.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
In a note obtained by CBS News Atlanta, Daley's doctor said the lack of air conditioning is exacerbating his underlying medical condition.

— Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of underlie

Adjective

But concerns about Israel’s ability and willingness to rein in the settlers remain even among evangelicals, who are among the staunchest Christian supporters of Israel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Supreme Court wants swift action Hoskins, a staunch supporter of the map, has boasted about the case on social media.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of staunch

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steads

steady

steadying

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Steady.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steady. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of steady

adjective

noun

verb

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Synonyms of steady

adjective

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing steady

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on steady

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

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Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

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A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes