staunch

adjective

ˈstȯnch How to pronounce staunch (audio)
variants also stanch
Definition of staunchnext
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something a staunch believer in the democratic system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word staunch distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of staunch are constant, faithful, loyal, resolute, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When can constant be used instead of staunch?

The words constant and staunch 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 could faithful be used to replace staunch?

The synonyms faithful and staunch are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would loyal be a good substitute for staunch?

Although the words loyal and staunch have much in common, 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 staunch?

While the synonyms resolute and staunch are close in meaning, resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is steadfast a more appropriate choice than staunch?

While in some cases nearly identical to staunch, 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 staunch Lithuania has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during Russian President Vladimir Putin's more than 4½-year conflict with Kyiv, providing extensive military equipment and financial support. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots, is a staunch supporter of Israel. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026 The exchange came as Schmitt has billed himself as a staunch sports fan. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026 Rios Sierra has been a staunch supporter of CTU in her time on the board and has shown herself to be temperamentally unsuited for the job. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
  1. steadfast
  2. loyal
  3. devout
  4. faithful
  5. true
  6. devoted
  7. dedicated
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is a man of few words — and initially, few feelings, or so thinks Marianne — the steadfast Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum).
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The poem continues with more verses about Burns’s steadfast love, but beyond that, nothing really happens.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Some residents say Netanyahu failed to deliver security or attend to the north; others remain loyal and argue Israel should strike Hezbollah harder.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Name brands still have loyal customers, but the momentum behind private label suggests recognizable packaging is no longer the deciding factor in what shoppers put in their carts.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • Indeed, in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim and contract killer who travels across Houston in an effort to protect his three children following the death of his wife.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Skillet now regularly shares stages with a wide range of acts, from the devout to the secular, including Korn, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Disturbed, and Papa Roach.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Good Time is lovingly faithful to the country-buffet genre, down to the industrial carpeting.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Andrew Durand, with his handsome crab-apple features, makes a perfectly quizzical Benjamin; Kelsee Kimmel is stirring as his true love, who shares his age just once.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On has collaborated with an impressive roster of partners over the last 16 years, from tennis legend Roger Federer to Spanish fashion house Loewe, all while staying true to its mission of celebrating movement.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • And even for this critic, who remains truly devoted to Esther and Sasha, talking about this development in a positive fashion just feels wrong.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Beatriz Porto, an owner and vice president of Porto’s, said the West Covina bakery is the chain’s busiest, in part because devoted fans drive in from Temecula, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and beyond.
    — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of devoted
Adjective
  • The foundation will also create a dedicated racial justice fund.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the extra space, Fairmont Gold Lounge access adds excellent value through all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a dedicated concierge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of dedicated

Browse Nearby Words

statutory
staunch
staunchness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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