staunch

adjective

ˈstȯnch How to pronounce staunch (audio)
variants also stanch
Definition of staunchnext
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something a staunch believer in the democratic system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That defection prompted the exhibitors trade group Cinema United — once a staunch Bonta ally — to go wobbly and push for a settlement. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Then, on Friday, Paramount accused actor Mark Ruffalo (a staunch deal critic) of making antisemitic comments, prompting prominent Jewish organizations to join the fray. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Rocha Moya, 77, a staunch ally of Sheinbaum’s mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, denied wrongdoing and described the charges as a politically motivated attack. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Once the two were staunch allies and both played major roles in getting Johnson elected. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
  1. steadfast
  2. loyal
  3. devout
  4. faithful
  5. true
  6. devoted
  7. dedicated
Adjective
  • But the same steadfast pursuit that’s placed the attorney at the center of nearly every call for racial justice in the past decade has earned Crump more than a few detractors.
    — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In spite of the steadfast testimony of those who went over the antlers as meticulously as anyone could, there are still many detractors.
    — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Adcock has built an incredibly loyal and cult-like following in the country music world over the past couple years.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • From the top-tier practice facility, to a state-of-the-art arena, to fan-forward initiatives, there was a sense the organization was rewarding the people most loyal to the team.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • The religious approach appealed to devout Catholics such as Velazquez, an immigrant from Mexico who spent three decades without status in the country, cutting hair from her home and cleaning houses when business was slow.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Ade, a devout Christian and the family’s sole breadwinner, struggles to understand her younger sister Titi, an aspiring singer whose independent spirit challenges convention.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • Cover band performs faithful covers of Journey’s iconic classic rock hits.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But for a political reporter, the gathering offers a chance to hear how the candidates message to the party faithful and check in with party loyalists on their mood ahead of the fall election.
    — Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • The true main event will pit top AEW star Mercedes Mone against Willow Nightingale in yet another women’s world title match that will not go on last.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • My beloved and devoted wife was left with a husband who endangered her well-being through a mirage.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The case has gripped television and online trial watchers after several witnesses testified that Clancy was a good and devoted mother for years before her mental health deteriorated after giving birth to her third child.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of devoted
Adjective
  • The new system allows the drone to release supplies while hovering, drop payloads during forward flight, or land and unload cargo autonomously, eliminating the need for personnel or dedicated equipment at the receiving site.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Guests in Red Level rooms (Gran Meliá’s premium service) can access a private club lounge for all-day snacks, meals, and drinks; dedicated check-in; a private concierge and a private terrace.
    — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of dedicated

Browse Nearby Words

statutory
staunch
staunchness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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