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 Rogan’s viewership spans from staunch Make America Healthy Again advocates to more socially liberal viewers who agree with his opinions on marijuana legalization. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026 While Street is depicted as a staunch professional in the show itself, Slavit observed that the camera consistently cut to her legs, servicing the male gaze and objectifying the character. Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 This also involves staunch defense of intellectual property and copyright infringement. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Griffin, a staunch soccer fan, played a critical role in bringing star coach Mauricio Pochettino to the men’s national team. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • Mormons may lapse in their faith, but their work ethic is steadfast.
    Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • The plan was steadfast to pile up premier pitchers to help veteran ace Garrett Crochet (18-5 in 2025) and closer Aroldis Chapman (32 saves in 2025).
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Abercrombie’s denim, which has garnered a loyal following thanks to its flattering fits, wide selection of silhouettes, and Curve Love designs that work season after season.
    Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
  • That demographic also showed stronger brand receptivity during the tournament, with World Cup viewers 21% more likely to feel loyal to advertisers and 24% more likely to view tournament ads as credible​, according to NBCUniversal data.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • While Auguste and two of Damien’s older sisters, Eugenie and Pauline, were being prepared for religious service by devout Anne-Catherine, Frans wanted Jozef for the farm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The film unfolds in a devout fishing community on Malaysia’s East Coast, following two young lovers, Jani and Melur, whose plans for the future are upended by an unplanned pregnancy, poverty and addiction, pushing Jani toward the drug trade.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • La Roja had been the best team of the World Cup and had done so by remaining faithful to itself and its soccer through technique, ability and skill honed through years and years of doing the same thing better than anyone else.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Torres posted a picture with the mob of Spain faithful while on a vehicle, while donning the hat and no shirt.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • As is true for many other industries in China, intense competition at home is driving companies to expand globally.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • While the event offered charitable benefits, Rocket Companies' true commitment is a $500 million, 10-year philanthropic initiative.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Costco has retail's most devoted fans Who is eligible for a payment?
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • Now, a new documentary, created in association with Rolling Stone, is spotlighting the devoted fans that turned the comment into a global rallying cry.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Charlotte deploys about 10 dedicated litter crews in the field each day.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • Thanks to dedicated allergy protocols and an impressive range of gluten-free meals, snacks and desserts, dining can become a part of the magic instead of a source of stress.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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