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.

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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 Cody Martin Cody Martin offers grit, hustle, and defensive tenacity—qualities that fit Milwaukee’s identity. —

Brian Sampson, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Everything that the audience admires about her — the tenacity, the intelligence, the doggedness, the wanting to save the missing children that a broken system would be fine with simply disappearing. —

Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 24 Dec. 2024 Home textile products crafted from Birla Excel exhibit substantially higher strength than traditional cotton products, owing to their high tenacity in both dry and wet conditions. —

Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 Ben’s entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity and endurance resonated through his son, Marvin. —

Franklin Tsung, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenacity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity

Noun

All this leads to the persistence of small pockets of jihadist sympathizers in the West, whether lone wolves or small clusters, who consume (and produce) ISIS propaganda and at times activate themselves to carry out attacks.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Together, this creates an environment where persistence and self-belief lead to greater success and achievement. 2.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025