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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
-
Yet Sobule recognized the persistent sexism that followed her and her peers onto television and the covers of magazines.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
-
Primates can be persistent, but have more trouble synchronizing their movements.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the first two games of the series, Winnipeg had the last change, and Jets coach Scott Arniel was insistent on getting Scheifele’s line on the ice against Robert Thomas’ line.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The Patriots were insistent on keeping the same philosophy, albeit with a few minor tweaks.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet even as Bix seems to be an avatar for all the suffering and trauma the Star Wars galaxy has to offer, Arjona is adamant that her character is not a victim.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
Her sister is adamant that, for Jane, this was the only way.—
Kim Campbell,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Neuharth was resolute about a reader-friendly approach.—
Caren Bohan,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
Despite his resolute disdain for the regime, at 14 years old he was required by law to join the Hitler Youth, a paramilitary organization.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While Broadcom’s financial success since acquiring VMware suggests that its business plan will remain steadfast, sending cease-and-desist letters to VMware users risks further harming its reputation with current and former customers.—
Scharon Harding – May 7,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2025
-
Their team walks clients through every step, offering open communication, empathy, and steadfast support throughout the process.—
Ascend Agency,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share