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 But since the Maidan revolution of November 2013 to February 2014, a staunch pro-Western leadership has emerged. Ben Horne, The Conversation, 21 May 2025 Helsinki and Stockholm have been staunch supporters of Kyiv, and their steps into the alliance's embrace enraged Russia. Ellie Cook — Reporting From Rovajärvi, Northern Finland, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 After all, Romania has long been a staunch member of the Western alliance. Veronica Anghel, Foreign Affairs, 21 May 2025 Johnson’s selection came over the fierce opposition of some of the school’s staunchest supporters, who celebrate FAMU’s legacy of Black excellence, social mobility and cultural pride. Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • In 2023, Caviezel, a devout Catholic, starred in mega box office breakout Sound Of Freedom, produced by faith-friendly Angel Studios, and is next due to reprise his role as Jesus in Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 May 2025
  • Local family members and friends know the new pontiff as a lifelong devout Catholic and former altar boy who makes frequent trips back home to the Chicago area, cheering for the White Sox and enjoying a slice of Aurelio’s pizza when back in town.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Alternatively, seersucker remains a steadfast warm-weather favorite—especially for those who appreciate a touch of New England preppiness.
    Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The single combines the guitarist’s weighted influence with the música mexicana group’s steadfast ambition.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The friends not keen on competing become our valiant team of producers — recording content and posting updates live for our loyal Instagram fanbase (almost 200 followers).
    Mia Venkat, NPR, 31 May 2025
  • His close friends and colleagues often described him as loyal, deeply thoughtful, and warm in his own way—just not overly expressive.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on staunch

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