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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Mostly sunny and very warm; persistent dry weather will worsen drought conditions through the weekend.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
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The family includes 5,000 compounds, which are persistent, remaining both in the environment and human body over time.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Both options meant navigating some stubborn supporters.—
Kevin Coulson,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Netanyahu insistent on continuing war despite rising pressure DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 57 people across Gaza, health officials said Saturday, as international pressure grows for a ceasefire but Israel's leader remains defiant about continuing the war.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
Arkansas Online,
28 Sep. 2025
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Jayce was protective of his baby brother and insistent on showing him everything a 4-year-old knew about life – like how to brush his teeth or how to properly use the bathroom during potty training.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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To their credit, Wild GM Bill Guerin and owner Craig Leipold were adamant that wasn’t going to happen and got a deal done.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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His family, as well as his legal team, are adamant that Combs has been rehabilitated and should be released.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have been drafted in at centre-half, through no fault of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, and have been resolute.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Takaichi has promised to be a resolute leader, but will need to learn the art of compromise while juggling priorities and trade-offs on domestic policies.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Since trading for Mitchell in the summer of 2022, Cleveland has held steadfast in the belief that its contention window truly opens when Mobley is up for it.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The other parents in Julianna’s comments had a similarly good sense of humor about how weaning an obstinate toddler can sometimes feel like negotiating with a dictator.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
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There’s something admirable, in an obstinate way, about Coen choosing to make lesbian B-movies that clock in at under 90 minutes as his first and second solo features following his creative split with Joel in 2018.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Mercury News,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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