Synonyms of tenacious

tenacious

adjective

tə-ˈnā-shəs 

1

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

a tenacious trainer, she adheres to her grueling swimming schedule no matter what

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persistent
• stubborn
• resolute
• insistent
• steadfast
• determined
• dogged
• relentless
• pertinacious
• dedicated
• loyal
• patient
• steady
• persevering
• adamant
• true
• constant
• staunch
• willful
• positive
• obstinate
• hardened
• unyielding
• faithful
• implacable
• resistant
• headstrong
• obdurate
• hardheaded
• firm
• hard
• good
• certain
• opinionated
• devoted
• single-minded
• indomitable
• sure
• resolved
• mulish
• peevish
• unfaltering
• assured
• intent
• unhesitating
• bullheaded
• wayward
• pigheaded
• perverse
• unwavering
• unconquerable
• unflinching
• unrelenting
• unregenerate
• wrongheaded
• indurate
• unbending
• hell-bent
• inflexible
• stiff-necked
• self-willed
• stern

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yielding
• surrendering
• hesitant
• irresolute
• quitting
• faltering
• treacherous
• fickle
• perfidious
• disloyal
• traitorous
• faithless
• false
• inconstant
• wavering
• hesitating
• vacillating

2

as in adhesive

tending to adhere to objects upon contact

you'll have a devil of a time getting those tenacious burrs off of your wool sweater

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adhesive
• sticky
• adherent
• gummy
• glutinous
• viscous
• tacky
• clingy
• viscid
• gelatinous
• gluey
• gooey
• syrupy
• ropy
• tarry
• pitchy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonviscous
• nonadhesive

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

Recent Examples of tenacious

But the suddenly tenacious Canucks bobbed, weaved and came away with a 5-4 shootoout win in a highly entertaining game. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

Texas basketball extinguished its opponent’s right to play with patience Tuesday night, using about 26 seconds worth of perfect ball-screen defense and tenacious close-outs on the perimeter. —David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 17 Dec. 2025

Nulla tenaci invia est via (For the tenacious, no road is impassable). —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2025

New York scored just 50 goals this season, lowest among the nine Eastern Conference playoff teams, but the team plays tenacious defense. —Miami Herald, 28 Nov. 2025

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