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Synonym Chooser

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 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
  • There are medications available to help with persistent skin conditions, Cortright said.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • That’s important in a division with CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown and Malik Nabers, and knowing starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s persistent injury history.
    Ben Standig, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a small conference room of a Manhattan hotel, Nicolás García is insistent.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But David also kind of forced Kyle to repeatedly defend her by being way too insistent that Kamilla be the one to go.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Garland shared the duo’s resolute ethic while appearing at a Los Angeles panel alongside Mendoza (and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, who portrays Mendoza with a convincing stoicism that arose from his inquiries into the concerted memories of the SEAL’s battle mates).
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has repeatedly voiced his frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of litigating the negotiations in the press and of being obstinate for drawing a red line by declaring Ukraine would not accept a deal that recognizes Russia’s occupation of Crimea.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Glide your steam mop across obstinate stains or spills and eradicate the mess along with the bacteria.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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