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

The tenacious point-of-attack stopper stripped several Oakland ballhandlers in the first quarter and set the tone for the rest of the night. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Tatum plays the role of Isa’s wife, Fatimah, who is tenacious and also competent with a piano. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025

And while Wright brings defensive tenacity, his addition doesn’t necessarily address New York’s most pressing issue: a lack of size on the wings beyond starters OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Josh Hart, a tenacious rebounder, is still just 6-4. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025

Her passionate and tenacious arguments were difficult for the best of us to ignore. —Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025

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