1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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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
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinacious
Adjective
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But the discharges also can overwhelm the delicate estuaries east and west of the state’s largest lake and, during the warm summer months, spread blooms of toxic algae, an issue that has become more persistent in recent years.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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In Bug, Carrie Coon's Agnes White — an Oklahoma waitress too exhausted to outrun her past — faces a more persistent threat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That tone—of pain, of surprise, of a stubborn refusal to be reduced or diminished—is everywhere in it.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
-
If the stain is stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Due to her insistent efforts, Yennefer’s army is growing, giving The Witcher the chance to namecheck several old friends from the show’s run, including Marti Södergren and the priestess Nenneke.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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Though Love is insistent that Hole will not reunite, she’s linked up with Auf der Maur over the years (sadly, their appearance at a Planned Parenthood benefit was cancelled due to the pandemic).—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Stephen Miller made these comments on CNN and was adamant that this would happen.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Although the film would have been far easier to finance if the production took place in another country, Hadi was adamant about shooting in his homeland.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But Sarah remains resolute, Bert tamps down his desire to make a quick buck — for a while, at least — and the situation starts to draw national attention, thanks to the involvement of a white civil rights attorney and a Black reporter from up north.—
Joe Leydon,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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Despite his anger, the woman remained confused but resolute.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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What alerted them to her location wasn’t footprints or a cell phone ping, however, but rather the sounds of her steadfast pup, Cami.—
Outside,
Outside,
6 Jan. 2026
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The year-on-year increases at each major are more modest, usually between 10 and 12 percent, but that percentage of tournament revenue remains steadfast, if not entirely immovable.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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