variants also stanch
Definition of staunchnext

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 Schoen is known to lean heavily on his confidence in the Giants’ individual evaluations of players and on his staunch belief in positional value, a hard line against paying the likes of running backs and safeties in the past that has not served the team well. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026 The comments from Johnson, who was one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters as Britain’s leader during the first months of the conflict, were contained in excerpts of an interview that will be broadcast on Sunday. ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026 Providing fresh groceries, customizable lunch boxes for neighborhood youths and Narcan kits was not enough to sway staunch community opposition to a Sherman Park gas station remaining open past midnight. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026 Greene gained notoriety as a staunch Trump supporter in Congress and was often under fire for polarizing comments and conspiratorial beliefs. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • But neither proposal has a clear path to passage with Republican majorities in both chambers and the White House’s steadfast commitment to tariffs.
    Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026
  • My office is steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice on their behalf.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In one case, a marketing pivot alienated a core consumer base; in another, a policy reversal triggered backlash from loyal customers.
    Betsy Atkins, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a surprise Republican victory in November.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Pack, like the rest of his family, is a devout Christian.
    Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The Gibbstown native came from a devout Roman Catholic family.
    Joe Holden, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There are also positive testimonies from clergy and committed lay faithful who serve the diocese.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
  • For faithful Traitors players, Beattie recommends asking other contestants about their experiences out of chronological order.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Easy but exciting paths that felt like true tree lines to them.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Summing up the whole picture is impossible, and attempting to do it requires treading carefully, so as to maintain important boundaries between what is definitely true and what seems likely or merely speculative.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Avtar Singh was a devoted temple member and father to 6-month-old triplets, according to community members.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Despite her life’s struggles, Chapin remained devoted to the show that brought her fame.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Under-fives eat free at the hotel's restaurants, while kids 6–12 get half-off meals, and dedicated kids' menus are available at Kiln & Tonic and Driftwood (the chefs at Sushi Migiwa and Teppanyaki Totsuji will create one upon request).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • More advanced observers can use dedicated astronomy cameras attached directly to telescopes.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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