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 Poland stripped Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Warsaw’s top honor, a decision that stoked tensions between Ukraine and one of the country’s staunchest supporters in its battle against Russia’s full-scale invasion. — David L. Stern, Washington Post, 20 June 2026 Lithuania, which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during Russian President Vladimir Putin's more than four-year conflict with Kyiv, providing extensive military equipment and financial support. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Margo, a staunch Conservative neighbor of the couple, was disapproving of the pair’s decisions, and Keith’s performance would win her the 1977 BAFTA TV Award for best light entertainment. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026 The public is warming up to nuclear, too – after decades of staunch opposition, a 2024 survey commissioned by the Energy Department found that more than 70% of Filipinos trust nuclear power as a reliable source of electricity, and many support rehabilitating the BNPP. — Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 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
  • To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • But the star has cultivated a loyal collective of her favorite brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Area (recall her famous Super Bowl jeans).
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Acquirers should look for these kinds of recurring and diversified revenues, as well as assess whether the brand has a loyal community.
    — Simon Corbett, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • For a devout convert to Catholicism, Vance has a bumpy history with the Vatican.
    — Paul Elie, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • Fearing a loss of their significant clout and influence, devout Protestants revived the earlier campaign to write their faith commitments into the Constitution.
    — David Mislin, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • The damage was enough to shake the belief of even the most faithful.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Clicking on each one brings up a capsule biography and a semi-faithful version of an authentic portrait; the effect is as if the user were turning off a George Washington face filter.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Not long after playing the title character’s mother in cult classic Donnie Darko (2001), McDonnell got cast as Galactica’s President Laura Roslin, earning a generation of devoted fans for what may be her most recognizable role to date.
    — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
  • For the second year in a row, Decade Days, a small business based in Atlanta will bring together over a dozen stars of holiday movies and their devoted fans for all kinds of festive fun.
    — Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of devoted
Adjective
  • Designers are curating dedicated accessory collections or reimagining signature styles in PVC and glossy finishes, from Chloé and Tory Burch to Diesel.
    — Sanika Achrekar, Glamour, 2 July 2026
  • Interpretation platforms like Entrain by Hypothesis Forge, Sensie and Meo Health layer coaching on top of existing sensors, and some work without a dedicated wearable at all.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of dedicated

Browse Nearby Words

statutory
staunch
staunchness
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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staunch

Nglish: Translation of staunch for Spanish Speakers

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