tenacity

Synonym Chooser

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 But Minnesota’s tenacity dipped noticeably and the Wolves dropped the next three games. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025 The players responded to his leadership with respect and tenacity. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2025 There’s an overall lack of ball production, but his elite athleticism (9.75 RAS), versatility (played outside, inside and safety) and tenacity as a run defender are great building blocks. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 The team chose to bring a balance of WNBA experience, international pedigree, defensive tenacity, and versatility. Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • OpenAI recommends including three key reminders in all agent prompts: persistence (keeping going until resolution), tool-calling (using available tools rather than guessing), and planning (thinking before acting).
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Zaragoza’s persistence, and Martinez’s gamble to uproot his family, were massively rewarded in the years that followed.
    Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In both world wars, the key to victory was not so much military prowess as unbeatable stamina.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Speed and stamina are core aspects of their role, and for most, these take a nosedive around these ages.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sustainable workplace culture change requires both determination and adaptability.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The song finds Wetmore shedding light on a childhood with a father battling against alcohol and pills, and Wetmore’s resulting desire and determination to forge a different path.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tenacity

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