Definition of tenaciousnext

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 But a hell of a rebounder, tenacious rebounder. David Aldridge, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Friends and colleagues are remembering longtime Pioneer Press reporter Irv Leavitt, who covered Chicago’s North Shore suburbs for nearly 30 years, as a tenacious journalist, generous mentor and champion of old-school reporting. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 The tenacious ex–Special Forces vet can be found tracking killers and trading barbs with his partner Jerry (Jamie Hector) in this long-running series drawn from Michael Connelly’s crime novels. Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 The Patriots had held possession in the overtime period since the initial draw control, but the tenacious Notre Dame Academy defense was plugging gaps exceptionally well. Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious
Adjective
  • The launch includes five solution categories—Restaurant Assistant, Packer, Picker, Folder, and Host—targeting persistent labor shortages in sectors such as industrial operations, logistics, healthcare, food services, lodging, and experiential venues.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026
  • Why is this padding so persistent?
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The adhesive trap under a prep table with a slicer wasn’t cleared and contained five dead roaches.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • Removing stubborn stains like adhesive residue takes persistence, especially if the remnant is aged.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
    Christine Rapp, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Smoke uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a sticky, lacquered finish.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
  • Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • The loud and insistent residents of Monterey Park showed that shaming and pressuring politicians can work.
    Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • What most interests me about The Emergency Playbook is how, beneath the sunny tone, there’s a calm but insistent moral outrage on display.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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