staunch
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for staunch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Firmly loyal and unwavering in support of a person, belief, or cause.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Firmly loyal and unwavering in support of a person, belief, or cause.
“She remained a staunch supporter of the charity for over thirty years.”
Opposites
How to use staunch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
staunch supporter
staunch ally
staunch defender
Etymology
From Old French estanche, "watertight," related to estanchier, "to stop a flow of liquid" — the same root gives us "stanch."
Full origin of staunch →Frequently asked questions
What does “staunch” mean?
The word “staunch” means firmly loyal and unwavering in support of a person, belief, or cause. In plain terms, firmly loyal and dependable, or (older sense) solid and watertight.
How do you pronounce “staunch”?
“Staunch” is pronounced stawnsh (/stɔːn(t)ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “staunch” in a sentence?
Here is “staunch” used in a sentence: “She remained a staunch supporter of the charity for over thirty years.”
What part of speech is “staunch”?
Depending on how it is used, “staunch” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “staunch” come from?
The word “staunch” comes from Old French. From Old French estanche, "watertight," related to estanchier, "to stop a flow of liquid" — the same root gives us "stanch.".
Is “staunch” a common word?
“Staunch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “staunch” have?
“Staunch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: firmly loyal and unwavering in support of a person, belief, or cause.
