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 Still just 21 years old, Duren is one of the league’s most prolific rebounders and lob finishers, but opposing offenses run constant pick-and-rolls at him, which can discombobulate Detroit’s otherwise staunch defense. Fred Katz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 What hasn’t changed is Troublé’s staunch belief in giving clients fair value for money. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 After a chorus of comics slammed the lineup of stand-ups participating in Saudi Arabia‘s Riyadh Comedy Festival, Arrested Development alum David Cross is also voicing his staunch disapproval. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 Even after the Tennessee National Guard was summoned to restore order, staunch segregationists refused to let up. Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • Alongside her estranged husband Ryan, the devout Moses (Hill), and new allies Samson (Feliz) and Delilah (Obsidian), Virginia must outmaneuver billionaire cult leader Luther Bell, played with magnetic menace by Esposito.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Howard was remembered as a devout member of his church and a stubborn, loving patriarch.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since trading for Mitchell in the summer of 2022, Cleveland has held steadfast in the belief that its contention window truly opens when Mobley is up for it.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Watching my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and aunt serve as loyal members of this sorority shaped my understanding of what true sisterhood and service look like.
    Essence, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With markets looking unperturbed, that might turn out true sooner if nothing serious comes in the way of the bulls.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The deputy’s body camera footage shows the loyal dog leading her straight to the spot where his owner’s mother had fallen.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Beneath Nkrumah’s elaborate rhetoric, Mazrui argued, lay a simple drive to consolidate control through a one-party state that would inevitably empower only his most loyal—and least thoughtful—allies.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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