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 The late senator was well known for his staunch pro-military perspective when deliberating on international affairs, which guided his actions while serving in the Senate and the House of Representatives. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 Hong, who leads the field by double digits in recent polls, is endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America’s Milwaukee chapter and is a staunch progressive. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026 Rehnquist, a staunch conservative, was known as the Lone Ranger for his habit of writing solitary dissents. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Wicks is also generally a staunch vote for environmental protections, with her voting record notching a lifetime score of 95% on the California Environmental Voters ranking system. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 July 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
  • Miller has remained steadfast in his commitment to stay in the race despite GOP calls for the second-term congressman to step down, as well as a House Ethics Committee investigation.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That interloper was Shadow, who became Jackie's steadfast mate right up until her hospitalization last month.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of steadfast
Adjective
  • Because even influencers with relatively small followings have loyal audiences, brands also often pay them to talk about products.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • While this is never guaranteed, some banks might do this as a courtesy for otherwise good or loyal customers; simply reach out and ask.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of loyal
Adjective
  • Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman were all devout Catholics, and Monnet, though not a religious man, was born into a pious Catholic family.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • According to Warburton, Barbara shared her husband's devout Catholic faith and his strong disapproval of their son's most popular shows.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of devout
Adjective
  • What began as a more faithful attempt at recreating Shakespearean verse gradually evolved as the team tried to figure out how to make something that spoke to then-contemporary anxieties.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Many thought that these books were unadaptable, but these movies have turned out wonderfully and are surprisingly faithful to the host work.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of faithful
Adjective
  • The true spike in demand began showing up in the data this spring, said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The same was true when the Korean War broke out in June 1950, surprising Americans from shop floors to the Oval Office.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Denise and the kids are horrified and have to leave quickly as the dinosaur eats what’s left of the devoted dad.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Deramas also justifies all the cinematic allusions on the story level, establishing the characters as devoted cinephiles who are particularly acquainted with Philippine cinema.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of devoted
Adjective
  • Essentially, home builders create a dedicated space for the toilet based on a bathroom’s overall dimensions.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Nearly four decades after the film brought a group of dead baseball players to life with a homemade diamond on an Iowa farm, Keith Rahe and his traveling troupers are still dedicated to keeping the cornfield mystique alive.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of staunch for Spanish Speakers

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