TENACITY Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tenacity' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of tenacity are courage , mettle , resolution , and spirit . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat. // held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Q: When can 'courage' be used instead of 'tenacity'?

While the synonyms courage and tenacity are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. // the courage to support unpopular causes

Q: When is 'mettle' a more appropriate choice than 'tenacity'?

The synonyms mettle and tenacity are sometimes interchangeable, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: Where would 'resolution' be a reasonable alternative to 'tenacity'?

Although the words resolution and tenacity have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. // the resolution of pioneer women

Q: When is it sensible to use 'spirit' instead of 'tenacity'?

The meanings of spirit and tenacity largely overlap; however, spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened. // her spirit was unbroken by failure

tenacity

noun

Definition of tenacity next

as in persistence

ability or willingness to carry on despite danger, difficulty, or obstacle Although they appeared to be losing badly, the home team's tenacity allowed them to make a comeback and clinch the victory.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenacity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of tenacity are courage, mettle, resolution, and spirit. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

When can courage be used instead of tenacity?

While the synonyms courage and tenacity are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When is mettle a more appropriate choice than tenacity?

The synonyms mettle and tenacity are sometimes interchangeable, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

Where would resolution be a reasonable alternative to tenacity?

Although the words resolution and tenacity have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When is it sensible to use spirit instead of tenacity?

The meanings of spirit and tenacity largely overlap; however, spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

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 tenacity Sisu is a hallmark of Finnish character, described as everything from hardiness to bravery to tenacity. —

Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 DeBrincat could have easily had a pair of goals, Kasper’s speed and tenacity helped win pucks for the line, and Kane set both of his linemates up for excellent scoring chances. —

Max Bultman, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 President Trump acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country. —

Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 But in Slotkin, Democrats, too, settled on a nominee who is known for her tenacity on the campaign trail and an ability to run ahead of her party's ticket. —

Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenacity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity

Noun

The persistence of Marxist ideology — coupled with China’s growing influence in the region — has long had a pernicious effect on the Americas, affording power to bad actors and eroding regional security.

Christine Balling, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024
More From Newsweek Vault: Rates Are Still High for These High-Yield Savings Accounts Others praised the grandma for her wholesome persistence and took her side.

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024