He steadfastly declined to predict whether permanent bases would be part of any agreement.

The company has steadfastly declined to respond to speculation.

Contrary to Chinese custom, he steadfastly declined to take any concubines.

Lois steadfastly declines to find a new dry cleaner and invites him to dinner.

But Sundstrand, the country's 100th-largest military contractor, has steadfastly declined to say who inside the company committed the fraud.

Bishop Murphy has steadfastly declined to publicly discuss his time in Boston.

Mr. Schumer, in fact, had steadfastly declined to do that, even though the issue was frequently raised by reporters over the past month.

Mr. Bush has steadfastly declined to talk about timetables.

In an age where digital music files are easily ripped, downloaded and distributed, the urge to pay for that great new album has steadfastly declined.

County Executive Gulotta, a Republican running for re-election, has steadfastly declined to comment on the police contract.