tenacity

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenacity distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of tenacity are courage, mettle, resolution, and spirit. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

When can courage be used instead of tenacity?

While the synonyms courage and tenacity are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When is mettle a more appropriate choice than tenacity?

The synonyms mettle and tenacity are sometimes interchangeable, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

Where would resolution be a reasonable alternative to tenacity?

Although the words resolution and tenacity have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When is it sensible to use spirit instead of tenacity?

The meanings of spirit and tenacity largely overlap; however, spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

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 tenacity Teammates play off each other well, and head coach Jen Quinn raves about their tenacity. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 There was something about his loyalty to Robbie and his tenacity that felt familiar. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025 There have been multiple times on Sunday where Dart showed a tenacity and competitive spirit similar to rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 The tough, ingenious (and dirt-poor) Houthis, protected by Yemen’s mountainous interior, fought back with the tenacity of drug-resistant microbes. Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • Her story is one of persistence, innovation, and an unwavering belief that healthcare should serve every stage of life, from young adulthood to the later years.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The material maintains the processability and transparency engineers need while solving PLA’s marine persistence problem.
    Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023
Noun
  • Focus, stamina, and coalition-building are not the president's strongest suits.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
  • McDermott echoed Gimple’s faith in the Walking Dead universe’s stamina.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This finding suggests that individuals who aren’t naturally gifted often compensate by working harder and with greater determination—and their effort pays off.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalization in all its forms.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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