relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless pressure

a relentless campaign

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun

Synonyms of relentless

• grim
• determined
• persistent
• unrelenting
• ruthless

Examples of relentless in a Sentence

Her relentless optimism held the team together.

The hunter was relentless in pursuit of his prey.

a relentless opponent of deregulation

Recent Examples on the Web

The relentless grip of public scrutiny goes on Patel and his family were able to rest easily when the charges were dropped, but damage had already been done. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025

Spencer countered once more, and Mantecon answered with a relentless final 100 meters, emptying the tank all the way to the line. —James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025

His relentless motor and budding football IQ helped the defense keep Mayfield and the rest of the Tampa Bay offense on their heels. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Dec. 2025

Despite the chaos, the years of legal battles, the financial strain and the relentless grind of single fatherhood, Arnold refuses to feel sorry for himself. —Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: not lessening in severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless criticism

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun