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
  • The study reported that almost half of physicians who were persistent cigarette smokers were killed by their habit, and a quarter died before age 70.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • Google’s Threat Intelligence Group identifies Scattered Spider as a financially motivated threat actor known for its persistent use of social engineering and brazen communications with victims.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 June 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
  • Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.
    Sal Recchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 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
  • Like most political arguments, each stakeholder adopts a resolute adversarial position that disallows finding common ground.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • In statements reported by state media on Sunday, China’s top political adviser Wang Huning echoed Beijing’s position, calling for the promotion of national reunification with Taiwan and for resolute opposition to Taiwan independence.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), one of the members who led the meeting, was insistent that the cap would fall below $40,000, one Senate Republican said.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 June 2025
  • Dalton is insistent that Americans will become more vulnerable without research partnerships abroad.
    Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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