variants also stanch

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

Examples 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 Sheehy has been a staunch supporter of former President Trump and made that central to his campaign as a political novice. The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 Homan, a staunch supporter of Trump's mass deportation plans, played a role in the controversial policy under the president-elect's first tenure on Pennsylvania Ave. Avery Lotz, Axios, 8 Dec. 2024 In recent months, Musk has become a staunch Trump ally. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 5 Dec. 2024 The choice elevates one of Trump’s staunch allies who sparked internal battles during the first Trump administration. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for staunch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch
Adjective
  • My best friend fell in love with a devout Catholic.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Hamoudi’s sister is a devout Muslim and a supporter of Hezbollah.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • His refusal to take his daughters seriously—which stems from his steadfast commitment to his own beliefs—leads them to mistrust him in turn, creating a grim, seemingly unbreakable cycle.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans are protected.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Surpassing 1,000 pages, the tome should be long enough to keep Sanderson's legion of loyal fans sated at least for awhile.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The team began a quick decline after that, a slide that bottomed out last season when the Galaxy fired longtime president Chris Klein amid an embarrassing fan boycott that saw the club’s most loyal supporters refuse to attend matches.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near staunch

Cite this Entry

“Staunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staunch. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on staunch

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