PERTINACIOUS Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pertinacious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pertinacious are dogged , mulish , obstinate , and stubborn . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Q: When can 'dogged' be used instead of 'pertinacious'?

The synonyms dogged and pertinacious are sometimes interchangeable, but dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: In what contexts can 'mulish' take the place of 'pertinacious'?

In some situations, the words mulish and pertinacious are roughly equivalent. However, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: When is it sensible to use 'obstinate' instead of 'pertinacious'?

While the synonyms obstinate and pertinacious are close in meaning, obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When would 'stubborn' be a good substitute for 'pertinacious'?

Although the words stubborn and pertinacious have much in common, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

pertinacious

adjective

ˌpər-tə-ˈnā-shəs

Definition of pertinacious

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a pertinacious little boy who was determined to catch and collect reptiles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion a pertinacious salesman who would simply not take "No!" for an answer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word pertinacious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pertinacious are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When can dogged be used instead of pertinacious?

The synonyms dogged and pertinacious are sometimes interchangeable, but dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

In what contexts can mulish take the place of pertinacious?

In some situations, the words mulish and pertinacious are roughly equivalent. However, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

When is it sensible to use obstinate instead of pertinacious?

While the synonyms obstinate and pertinacious are close in meaning, obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When would stubborn be a good substitute for pertinacious?

Although the words stubborn and pertinacious have much in common, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 pertinacious But Kerry, the pertinacious diplomat and former Massachusetts senator, sees too much to do — and insisted in an interview with The Boston Globe there is too much to possibly achieve — to quit just yet. — Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinacious

Adjective

Women experience functional pain at about twice the rate of men, with persistent pain in the pelvic area often becoming a debilitating factor in their daily lives.

— Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
While PlusAI is a software developer working on self-driving technologies, Kwan said cargo theft has been a persistent problem for the trucking industry, which is in search of solutions to better track trailers and cargo statuses.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

The recent rise in yields reflects concerns about stubborn inflation and hawkish central bank commentary, fueling expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer.

— Sarah Min,Davis Giangiulio,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Even so, scaling up could force Google and SpaceX to confront some stubborn physics.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

The spectral are getting louder, more insistent, more prevalent, and our literature, our cinema, reflect this.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
But his presence in Monday’s festivities, held after an 8-3 win over the Twins at Target Field, illustrated why Aaron Judge was so insistent when asked if the championship-or-bust Bombers would celebrate a simple playoff berth.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of insistent

Adjective

So my thought process was to come in and early in the day float her name subtly, and not be too adamant about it.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
The Grammy winner was adamant in his Tuesday statement that he wouldn’t be drawn into discussion of the war in Gaza, arguing that his fans don’t come to his shows to hear about these issues.

— Tassanee Vejpongsa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

Okereke himself, who was the one called for the unnecessary roughness penalty, was disappointed but resolute postgame.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
For someone who works in an industry that is constantly in flux, Zurich Film Festival Co-Owner and Festival Director Reta Guetg is resolute in her ambition for the young film event.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of resolute

Adjective

Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage lingering concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

And the Ithacan more than lives up to his reputation as the most obstinate hero in history, regularly taunting Poseidon (Miles Anderson) despite knowing the god will delay his return home.

— Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
When councilman Steve Novick threatened to sue, the Blazers recoiled and became obstinate.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of obstinate

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“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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