TENACIOUS Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tenacious' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tenacious are stalwart , stout , strong , sturdy , and tough . While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. // tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stalwart' instead of 'tenacious'?

The words stalwart and tenacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. // stalwart environmentalists

Q: When might 'stout' be a better fit than 'tenacious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tenacious , stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. // stout hiking boots

Q: In what contexts can 'strong' take the place of 'tenacious'?

In some situations, the words strong and tenacious are roughly equivalent. However, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. // strong arms // the defense has a strong case

Q: When would 'sturdy' be a good substitute for 'tenacious'?

The meanings of sturdy and tenacious largely overlap; however, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. // a sturdy table // people of sturdy independence

Q: When is 'tough' a more appropriate choice than 'tenacious'?

Although the words tough and tenacious have much in common, tough implies great firmness and resiliency. // a tough political opponent

tenacious

adjective

tə-ˈnā-shəs

Definition of tenacious next

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a tenacious trainer, she adheres to her grueling swimming schedule no matter what

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adhesive

tending to adhere to objects upon contact you'll have a devil of a time getting those tenacious burrs off of your wool sweater

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenacious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tenacious are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is it sensible to use stalwart instead of tenacious?

The words stalwart and tenacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When might stout be a better fit than tenacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to tenacious, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

In what contexts can strong take the place of tenacious?

In some situations, the words strong and tenacious are roughly equivalent. However, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms

the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tenacious?

The meanings of sturdy and tenacious largely overlap; however, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table

people of sturdy independence

When is tough a more appropriate choice than tenacious?

Although the words tough and tenacious have much in common, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

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 tenacious The tenacious prosecutor has overseen several historically significant matters in his three-year tenure. —

Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 25 Nov. 2024 That never slowed its frenetic pace and tenacious trapping. —

Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 But Payne points to internal factors that are even more tenacious. —

Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024 Governed by the moon, this Water sign is often admired for its innate sensitivity and intuition, but much like Elle Woods, Cancers are unstoppable and tenacious despite their soft exterior, making this an ideal costume choice. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenacious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious

Adjective

Or has her persistent unhappiness caused serious health issues?

Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, Huang might consider embroidering the Intel logo in the lining of his famous leather jackets as a persistent reminder of how the mighty can fall.

Steven Levy, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024