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

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 tenacious Houston found their biggest weakness (a lack of a go-to scorer who happens to be an all-time floor spacer) and added a tenacious, legitimate 3-and-D big wing to the mix, all while doubling down on their double-big obsession and retaining the majority of their core. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 24 July 2025 With this work, the tenacious journalist and advocate for the Everglades devoted her life to preserving the unique, sprawling ecosystem now protected by federal law. Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025 The Staffordshire bull terrier, known for its muscular build and loving nature, is described by the American Kennel Club as a breed that is clever, brave, and tenacious. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 Of course, McConnell is known as a tenacious defender. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious
Adjective
  • Residents face persistent shortages of water, electricity and medical care.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The persistent lack of performance caused many to wonder if Howell may be unseated as Minnesota’s next-in-line behind J.J. McCarthy under center.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Attach to Wall: Use double-sided mounting tape or small removable adhesive strips to secure the frame around the light switch.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Constructed from shatter-resistant plastic with adhesive rubber feet to attach to the bottom, the drawers are suitable for organizing just about anything, including cosmetics, snacks, pet food and treats, trinkets, laundry essentials, index cards, and more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Myth That Won’t Die: 'Nobody Scrolls' For years, there’s been this stubborn idea in web design that everything important has to be above the fold.
    Talie Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Fire signs are assertive, passionate and creative; Earth signs are dependable, stubborn and grounded; Air signs are curious intellectuals with a knack for socializing, and Water signs are known to tap into universal undercurrents, navigating emotions.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Despite skyrocketing prices for TV rights from name-brand sports leagues, even smaller streaming services know their future will be driven in part by that particularly sticky tune-in driver for audiences.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The market has been resolute in holding to a view that there will be a rate cut in September so far.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Heat comparison: With Young a year from potential free agency, the Hawks were resolute in augmenting a roster that lost at home to Miami in the play-in.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some aspects of his embrace of Trumpism—and, with it, an insistent economic populism and anti-corporate posture—strike me as sincere, and others less so.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
  • These past few weeks have also brought to mind the Kennedy researcher Harold Weisberg, whose early books were a countercultural phenomenon and who was known for his diligent, insistent filling of FOIA requests.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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