Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenacious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tenacious are stalwart, stout, strong, sturdy, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is it sensible to use stalwart instead of tenacious?

The words stalwart and tenacious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When might stout be a better fit than tenacious?

While in some cases nearly identical to tenacious, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

In what contexts can strong take the place of tenacious?

In some situations, the words strong and tenacious are roughly equivalent. However, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for tenacious?

The meanings of sturdy and tenacious largely overlap; however, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When is tough a more appropriate choice than tenacious?

Although the words tough and tenacious have much in common, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

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 tenacious Columbus Blue Jackets: Logan Hensler, RHD, Wisconsin (NCAA) With Montreal’s second pick, Bultman had the Canadiens land the skilled, tenacious Bear in addition to Cootes, bringing skill and fearlessness to that forward mix. The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 One tenacious standout is Charly Barby, who was the last person cut last season. Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 They were entirely swallowed up by the Thunder’s historically tenacious defense and Oklahoma City’s raucous home crowd. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious
Adjective
  • Many prominent men across sports, music, business and politics have opened up about their mental health struggles, helping to chip away at the persistent stigma that discourages men from seeking help.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025
  • This suggested that the persistent activity of PKMζ is required to maintain a memory.
    Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • His original rolling paper brand, Lion Papers, came back from production missing a critical detail: the adhesive strip.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Getting rid of deteriorating tile would expose those in the school to asbestos through the floor’s adhesive, so the district also approved asbestos abatement to be completed this summer.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our formulas are oxybenzone-free, water- and sweat-resistant, and designed lightweight unlike typical sport sunscreens that leave you feeling sticky or break down in the heat of competition.
    Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But what really wowed us was how easily the sticky stuff washed away from the pan.
    Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • The older priest is resolute, determined to once more do battle with the Devil.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • But these cerebral dispatches realize their audience often experiences the work communally and tends to enjoy it most when accompanied by flowing synths and insistent drums.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • An insistent tabby cat has left internet users in stitches after getting caught repeatedly waking up a woman by yelling outside her window, despite not being her pet.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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