variants also stanch

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 Kennedy had mobilized the National Guard in Alabama despite Gov. George Wallace, a staunch segregationist, vowing to oppose allowing Black students to attend school with white students. Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025 From the administration’s staunch anti-diversity stance and the military’s push to oust transgender servicemembers, to a looming US Supreme Court ruling that could upend health care for millions of LGBTQ Americans, the second Trump administration has ushered in a period of uncertainty and fear. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Just two awards away from obtaining EGOT status, for over three decades, Foxx has maintained a repertoire of not only staunch professionalism, but also stands as a benefactor of Black male representation in entertainment. Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 Jones, a former Padres ace, played American Legion ball in Fullerton and has been a staunch supporter of American Legion Baseball in San Diego. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • Bure became a devout Christian at the age of 12 and has remained outspoken about her religious beliefs and conservative political opinions.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 June 2025
  • One such soul was Madeline Buol (1902–1986), a devout Catholic and beauty shop owner living in Dubuque, IA, right across the Mississippi River from Dickeyville.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Hamas has remained steadfast against Israel’s attacks in Gaza.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Natural Rugs Not all natural fibers belong in nature, and that is especially true of popular rug materials like jute and sisal.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • Brown, the top returning rusher in the league (1,173 yards as a true freshman), will be running behind an offensive line that returns only one starter.
    Manny Navarro, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The whole point of Casa Amor, theoretically, is to see whether these couples stay loyal to each other when separated into different villas and pursued by a whole new slate of bombshells.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Fixers are loyal to systems, people and processes—even when they’re broken.
    Tinna Jackson, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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