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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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The persistent low percentages of Black and Indigenous students at UT and the hyper-partisan politics at the state and federal levels add importance and a sense of sacredness to this community that Adeeko and others want to protect.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Declining growth in the fashion division and the Asia-Japan geography seems to be a common denominator for both luxury groups, but these results signal a downturn that is persistent and increasingly difficult to dismiss, likely hinting to a deeper issue.—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Beneath its surface were deep, dark scars—grooves cut through the rock by old lava flows, now overgrown with stubborn green.—
Tess Moormans,
Travel + Leisure,
27 July 2025
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The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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The watch flashes a seven, an insistent chirp accompanying the number.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
22 July 2025
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Many of them are insistent the PA should play a role in governing Gaza, which Israel has opposed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Since camp got underway, he's been adamant that winning games is far more important than his personal stats.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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Liverpool communicated an interest in acquiring the Sweden international for around £120m, though Newcastle have been adamant for months that Isak is not for sale.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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His face was resolute across the table in a room full of reporters.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
29 July 2025
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The Club World Cup trophy is also spending time in the Oval Office; it could be seen there Tuesday not far from the resolute desk.—
Ian Swanson,
The Hill,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Our volunteer firefighters represent the best of us, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to service and sacrifice.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
29 July 2025
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Greek life, despite its understandable divisiveness, is a steadfast tradition on most Southern college campuses.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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All that being said, the controls can still feel frustratingly obstinate at times, and get in the way of the overall experience.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
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More: McConnell called Trump 'despicable' and a 'narcissist,' cried after Capitol riot, new book says Now out of GOP leadership, McConnell has emerged as the most obstinate member of a loose cohort of Republican senators willing to criticize the president’s policies and nominees.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
6 Jan. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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