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

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 tenacity In his North Carolina gym, Cole witnessed Martin’s athleticism, the tenacity on defense Mavericks fans see nightly and his shooting potential. —

Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026 Naia debuted Naia Lyte, a lightweight, higher-tenacity fiber designed for sheer and performance-sensitive applications. —

Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026 Just a powerhouse, with this amazing tenacity. —

Sean Gregory, Time, 4 Feb. 2026 Fland’s tenacity spearheaded a defensive effort featuring three consecutive stops of Alabama on eight different occasions. —

Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tenacity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity

Noun

Growing power demand in China and the sheer size of the country’s market showcased what appeared to be countervailing trends — the persistence of coal, and the rise of renewables.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Some educators worry the overuse and misuse of AI programs could decrease students' ability to think critically and independently or to have persistence when attempting to solve complex problems.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Definition of persistence

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“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of tenacity

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