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 But Lauder’s tenacity of vision and Zen-like surety of purpose never faltered and his passion never ceased to fuel the vitality of the business. Pete Born, Footwear News, 15 June 2025 Connor Brown has been a bottom-six sparkplug with his speed, tenacity, defensive play and secondary scoring for just $1 million. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 15 June 2025 Report Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Game 1 Draws Lowest Audience in Nearly 40 Years The Pacers' defensive tenacity and high-scoring offense were too much for the Cavaliers. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 Its longevity is a testament to the vision and tenacity of the Troubadour’s co-founders, Liz Abbott and Kent Johnson, and their dedicated coterie of talented contributors. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • His spirit of persistence and craftsmanship continues to shape the bourbon industry today.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • It’s been reopened in chunks, thanks to the unrelenting optimism and irrational persistence of a corps of downtown residents led by Rodriguez and Rosa Chang.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 June 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 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
Noun
  • Eighth Round - Paul 10-9 (Paul 80-72) Paul’s stamina is still his biggest issue.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Both encounters precise use of parries, dodging, and strategic stamina management to overcome the enemy, and were easily the most riveting parts of the overall preview.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Then the market for EVs started showing signs of slowing down, and the current administration’s determination to eliminate the federal tax credit for EVs started to alter the trajectory of the battery-electric vehicle uptake.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Her close call does not diminish her determination.
    Ian Pannell, ABC News, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tenacity

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