1
as in persistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
a pertinacious little boy who was determined to catch and collect reptiles
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a pertinacious salesman who would simply not take "No!" for an answer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pertinacious
But Kerry, the pertinacious diplomat and former Massachusetts senator, sees too much to do — and insisted in an interview with The Boston Globe there is too much to possibly achieve — to quit just yet.
—
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinacious
Adjective
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Egg prices in the U.S. have soared due to supply chain disruptions, a persistent bird flu outbreak and new regulations.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
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Flick was hopeful Yamal would be available for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid but said referees should take greater action to deter persistent fouling.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Still facing a stubborn staffing crunch, the New York City Department of Correction will require officers to work mandatory 12-hour tours in a number of city jails, a move immediately criticized by their union.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2025
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Fiscal and monetary policy are walking a tightrope between weak real growth and stubborn inflation.—
William Pesek,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The insistent demands that email, text messages, application notifications, infrastructure alerts, etc. place on knowledge worker attention can easily compromise an individual’s ability to sustain focus on the task at hand.—
Mark Settle,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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The roaring cry of the dogs had taken on an insistent note.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Hamilton was adamant Ferrari had all the ingredients to win the world championship for the first time since 2008.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
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But both brown and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – a marine biologist and policy expert – are adamant that modeling climate activism in popular culture need not be all about just ringing warning bells.—
Dan Heching,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The resolute horse nudges the keg forward across challenging terrain and is unwavering in the desire to achieve the goal of delivering the keg of Budweiser beer.—
Todd Holmes,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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The tantrums on social media and stern, tough-guy prose from behind the resolute desk are getting results and moving various countries to cater to his whims or reassess their previous positions.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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In the meantime, colleges should remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law—principles that have long guided American higher education.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
30 Dec. 2024
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The Founding generation also worried that older men were more inflexible, obstinate, uninterested in change, and stuck in their ways—all leadership qualities at odds with the experimentation needed for representative government.—
Rebecca Brannon / Made by History,
TIME,
3 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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