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 Thousands of the Islamic Republic’s staunchest supporters, including Paydari members, have staged street rallies to pressure the country’s new leaders. —Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 Porter, who questioned whether the policy was realistic last year, cast herself as a staunch defender of it, and of healthcare for undocumented immigrants. —Ben Paviour may 6, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026 Fetterman is a staunch supporter of Israel. —Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 On her way home from voting in Hungary, Uzonyi’s neighbor, a staunch Orban supporter, walked on the other side of the street in the opposite direction. —Alexandra Levy, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 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
  • Amid the uncertainty, however, Missouri Republican officials remain steadfast in their belief that the new map is in effect.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
  • Because Aaron Rai is not Aaron Rai without a steadfast resistance to change.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Djena’s father, who had the title of chief hunter in the town, was a loyal aide to Marcel Cros, a senior official in the government of Ahmed Sékou Touré, Guinea’s first President.
    — Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • By contrast, employees who feel financially secure are more productive, engaged, and loyal.
    — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 17 May 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • The series written by Tolkien, a devout Catholic, became a popular franchise with conservatives.
    — Alexander Hall, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • There are other surprises in store for even the most devout Frankenthaler fans.
    — Grace Edquist, Vogue, 7 May 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • Rodríguez has also replaced senior officials, including Maduro’s faithful defense minister and attorney general.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 May 2026
  • To say the Philadelphia Eagles faithful was ecstatic when the Miami Dolphins hired Kevin Patullo would be an understatement.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • Rarely were there any true freaks, which was where their sideshow stood out.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Hall, who came from Jamaica to New York City in 2023, was remembered at his funeral as a devoted family man and a loyal friend.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
  • The retreat’s strict, no-nonsense approach has earned it a devoted A-list following.
    — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of devoted
Adjective
  • Some even require dedicated facilities, leading to inflated costs.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • Snake River Farms provides its offerings specifically for dedicated home chefs and steak aficionados, who require better quality than what families need for their weekly freezer stock.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Definition of dedicated

Browse Nearby Words

statutory
staunch
staunchness
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Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staunch

Nglish: Translation of staunch for Spanish Speakers

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