Synonyms of staunch

staunch

adjective

ˈstȯnch 

variants also stanch

as in steadfast

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something

a staunch believer in the democratic system

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steadfast
• loyal
• devout
• faithful
• true
• devoted
• dedicated
• good
• ardent
• constant
• pious
• fervent
• steady
• true-blue
• down-the-line
• passionate
• fast
• resolute
• reliable
• dependable
• solid
• responsible
• dutiful
• enthusiastic
• trustworthy
• trusty
• unhesitating
• unfaltering
• unwavering
• inveterate
• tried
• avid
• determined
• serious
• fervid
• tried-and-true
• impassioned
• confirmed
• intent
• dyed-in-the-wool
• sworn
• gung ho

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• traitorous
• treacherous
• faithless
• disloyal
• false
• fickle
• perfidious
• unfaithful
• inconstant
• untrue
• unreliable
• irresponsible
• hesitant
• untrustworthy
• recreant
• faltering
• undependable
• uncertain
• dubious
• shaky
• irresolute
• wavering
• dispassionate
• apathetic
• uninterested
• vacillating

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

Recent Examples of staunch

Lauder has served as the president of the World Jewish Congress since 2007 and is a staunch supporter of Israel. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

That experience, along with his father’s staunch opposition to the removals, helped form Kennedy’s powerful belief in the equality of all people and the importance of preserving and protecting individual rights. —Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025

The staunchest deflationist could deflate no longer. —James Somers, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

But Cuomo himself has a long list of progressive accomplishments, including criminal justice reforms and victories for same-sex rights, which once earned him staunch support on the left. —Brian Mann, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025