True

adj.kind, thoughtfulwarm

What it means

Steadily loyal and genuine in a relationship or commitment.

Reach for it when describing a friend, ally, or commitment that proves faithful in action

A true friend challenged his excuse and then stayed to help repair the damage.

playful
trusty
when long familiarity and dependable service suit a light tone
not when Trusty often describes tools or companions and can sound quaint when praising character.
everyday
genuine
when sincerity and absence of pretense deserve emphasis
not when Sincerity does not establish loyalty under pressure.
everyday
loyal
when steadfast support for a person or group is the point
not when Loyal can become uncritical allegiance, while a true friend may disagree honestly.
warm
devoted
when deep affection motivates sustained commitment
not when Devoted is too intense for a respected colleague or recent ally.
warm
faithful
when constancy over time or fidelity to a promise matters
not when Faithful can sound religious or romantic where ordinary friendship is meant.
professional
sincere
when honest feeling or intention is the claim you can support
not when Sincere does not establish consistency after the moment has passed.
formal
steadfast
when support does not waver through difficulty
not when Steadfast is solemn and may overstate a new or casual relationship.
literary
constant
when enduring attachment should sound poetic
not when Constant feels old-fashioned and can imply permanence beyond what the evidence shows.

true friend
A true friend makes space for the answer instead of offering a quick slogan.
hold true
The promise continued to hold true when the project became inconvenient.
stay true
She chose to stay true to the values stated in the first community plan.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.