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 William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential candidate, former secretary of state and staunch religious conservative, served as the prosecutor. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 July 2025 Cusack, a staunch critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, shared a graphic (a screenshot of which is pictured below) linking Antony Blinken, the Jewish former U.S. secretary of state, to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 July 2025 Protests and even cases of vandalism have plagued Tesla dealerships across the U.S. as Trump, a staunch ally of Musk's, has vowed to prosecute those suspected of committing crimes. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Their starting pitching has remained staunch, and closer Carlos Estévez through Thursday was tied for the MLB lead in saves with 22. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • Black Americans ranked more devout in each category than white Americans and Hispanic Americans, according to the poll.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Vance Boelter, the suspect in the attack, has been described as a devout Christian who has attended President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, according to The Associated Press.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Rosary’s goals and its place in the community have remained steadfast, school leadership says.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Accessibility and Sustainability Environmental care is one of Bitter End’s most steadfast values.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Now, as the families prepare for next week's sentencing hearing on July 23, Patterson and Ward are hoping to give readers a true sense of the four victims.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is the first time a studio has put tickets for sale this early in advance, but considering Nolan has a loyal army of fans large enough to sack a city, there certainly won’t be any shortage of uptake.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • On the one hand, Sharon Horgan — who plays Eva Garvey in the Apple TV+ dramedy about a group of loyal and protective Irish sisters — was nominated for season 1.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on staunch

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