Synonyms of staunch

staunch

adjective

ˈstȯnch 

variants also stanch

as in devout

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something

a staunch believer in the democratic system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

And though public opinion is staunch and clear on this issue, Congress approved vast cutbacks. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025

But the plan collapsed amid staunch opposition from Somalia, which has long opposed Somaliland’s independence and fears Ethiopia’s dominance of the region. —Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025

The Trump administration drew the fury of some of the president's staunchest supporters when Reuters reported that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds would be denied to states and cities that boycott Israeli companies. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Kattan, whose company has over 57 million followers on Instagram, has been an outspoken critic of Israel and a staunch supporter of Palestinians in Gaza. —Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025