1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
Of course, McConnell is known as a tenacious defender.
—
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Despite the many controversies, as well as bipartisan predictions that his political career was finished, DesJarlais proved to be particularly tenacious.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025
That’s a business that has seen a lot of players come and go, and Regal Ware is applying the lessons of its tenacious history as sets its strategy for the next century and beyond, with its manufacturing prowess central to its plans.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Her main forte has always been advertising, and an ability to leverage a large network built over 30 years at NBCU and Turner with a tenacious but polished business approach.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Despite the many controversies, as well as bipartisan predictions that his political career was finished, DesJarlais proved to be particularly tenacious.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025
That’s a business that has seen a lot of players come and go, and Regal Ware is applying the lessons of its tenacious history as sets its strategy for the next century and beyond, with its manufacturing prowess central to its plans.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Her main forte has always been advertising, and an ability to leverage a large network built over 30 years at NBCU and Turner with a tenacious but polished business approach.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
One of the more innovative parts of the new study was its use of wearable ECG monitors—small, adhesive patches worn on the chest that record heart activity 24/7.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
16 July 2025
-
Yes | Reusable: Yes (over 50 times) Similar to reusable nipple covers, adhesive pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
The motivation behind the trend is understandable—no one wants sticky detergent dripping all over their hands or laundry room.—
Kendall Bettle,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The underside of the stones is bonded to the sticky asphalt cement.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
His face was resolute across the table in a room full of reporters.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
29 July 2025
-
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
-
The watch flashes a seven, an insistent chirp accompanying the number.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
22 July 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share