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

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 tenacious Her exclusive interview with Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman sparked a national conversation about health and transparency in politics, cementing her reputation as a tenacious, fair, and incisive journalist. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 Matthew has always been intensely focused and tenacious in all of his endeavors, not only in his recording career, but in all of his artistic and intellectual pursuits. —

Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024 Tenacity Enhances Culture This approach results in a tenacious team that finds ways to win. —

John Baldoni, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 White House coup plots, Jennifer Tilly playing herself possessed by the spirit of the demon doll Tiffany, and Chucky grappling with his own morality couldn't save this tenacious little series. —

Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenacious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious

Adjective

The persistent decline in China’s 10-year government bond yield — to record lows around 1.58% this month— prompted the People’s Bank of China on Jan. 10 to stop its government bond purchases .

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025
Interest rates and the overall investment climate The persistent elevation of interest rates has reshaped the investment landscape, forcing companies to rethink growth strategies over the past years.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025