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 Talk about resilience, tenacity, and perseverance at its finest. Dontaira Terrell, Refinery29, 22 Aug. 2025 From the perspective of Bondi and her supporters, the dog drama underscored her tenacity in defense of the vulnerable and mistreated. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 Family and friends gathered to mourn Rebekah Baptiste, 10, a young girl remembered for her kindness and tenacity. Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025 While Montgomery recovered the ball, Brooks displayed a tenacity that was rarely seen on the field. Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • While individual particles may be microscopic, their sheer numbers and persistence pose a long-term hazard.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Other risks include data poisoning, context hijacking and large language model (LLM) memory persistence, where cached queries or context reuse could expose sensitive information to subsequent users.
    Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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
  • By blending athlete-like stamina with surgeon-level dexterity, KAERI is charting a path toward robotic first responders capable of tackling nuclear, disaster, and industrial challenges with unmatched safety.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After all, Miami seemingly has stamina to withstand searing heat after practicing in it all summer, while the opponent typically comes to town ill-prepared for the oppressive temperatures and humidity.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wolf’s new deal is a testament to his determination.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Her strength of character, artistic vision, and fierce determination remain profoundly inspiring today.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tenacity

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