STAUNCH Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

staunch

adjective

ˈstȯnch

variants also stanch

Definition of staunch next

as in devout

firm in one's allegiance to someone or something a staunch believer in the democratic system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Most Republicans have embraced the nomination of Mr. Hegseth, who was a staunch supporter of President Trump during his first term. —

Lazaro Gamio, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Netanyahu said Musk’s support of the Middle Eastern nation has been staunch ever since. —

Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025 Most of his staunchest media critics have either died, retired or left town, with only a handful of reporters on hand Friday who actually covered Sosa in Chicago. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Despite criticisms from his fellow Democrats in the legislature’s majority, Lamont has been a staunch defender of the spending cap and other fiscal controls that have helped generate consistent large annual surpluses since 2017. —

Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for staunch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for staunch

Adjective

Between the lines: Hegseth, who's been married three times, portrays himself as a family man and devout Christian.

— Mike Allen, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
This represents a substantive shift among the faithful: For decades, women were always more devout, both in U.S. churches and around the world.

— Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025