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 That mix of adventurousness on the ball and defensive tenacity without it means that Carreras can play multiple roles. Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025 His positional versatility and defensive tenacity earned him NBA All-Star honors in 2004 and multiple All-Defensive Team selections. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025 What all of them have in common is the same kind of tenacity and appreciation of hard work that were instrumental to Bargatze’s rise. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 June 2025 The Belgian Red Flames, under the guidance of new coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, have been using a mixture of tenacity and tactical plays to achieve success. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • Keyon Monte’s journey through the world of theater has been shaped by persistence, reinvention and a deep love for storytelling.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2025
  • For hackers, this method offers the ultimate persistence.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 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
  • There’s one main meter, hydration, where the hot desert will deplete that over time, sapping your stamina and eventually your health.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • But stamina, recovery, resilience and adaptability are as essential to athletic performance.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Distributions to heirs or charitable contributions can be made by the determination of an independent trustee.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • However, their passion for the sport and determination led to changes in the rules, allowing Muslim women to compete in full-body uniforms at both collegiate and national levels.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tenacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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