Synonyms of tenacious

tenacious

adjective

tə-ˈnā-shəs 

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

• persistent
• stubborn
• resolute
• insistent
• steadfast
• determined
• dogged
• relentless
• pertinacious
• dedicated
• loyal
• patient
• steady
• adamant
• persevering
• true
• constant
• staunch
• willful
• positive
• obstinate
• hardened
• unyielding
• faithful
• implacable
• resistant
• headstrong
• obdurate
• wilful
• firm
• hardheaded
• hard
• good
• devoted
• certain
• opinionated
• single-minded
• indomitable
• sure
• resolved
• mulish
• peevish
• unfaltering
• assured
• intent
• unhesitating
• bullheaded
• wayward
• pigheaded
• perverse
• unwavering
• unconquerable
• unflinching
• unrelenting
• unregenerate
• wrongheaded
• indurate
• unbending
• hell-bent
• inflexible
• stiff-necked
• self-willed
• stern
• stanch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yielding
• surrendering
• hesitant
• irresolute
• quitting
• faltering
• treacherous
• fickle
• perfidious
• disloyal
• traitorous
• faithless
• false
• inconstant
• wavering
• hesitating
• vacillating

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

• adhesive
• sticky
• adherent
• clingy
• gummy
• glutinous
• gluey
• tacky
• viscous
• viscid
• gelatinous
• gooey
• syrupy
• ropy
• ropey
• tarry
• pitchy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

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

Recent Examples of tenacious

Further investigation revealed the tenacious Deinococcus radiodurans had not only survived but multiplied, defying all assumptions about life’s fragility. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

The culmination was a remarkable fadeaway jumper with Dillon Brooks’ hand in his face after Murray seemed to want the tenacious Brooks switched on him. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 23 Mar. 2025

With the reopening just a few weeks away, the team sees the Veranda House’s return as a symbol of the town’s tenacious spirit. —Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2025

Whatever the argument, the tenacious problem that the Trump administration will face is that neither the letter of the law nor historical precedents support peacetime use of the Alien Enemies Act. —Daniel Tichenor, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025

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