relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless pressure

a relentless campaign

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun

Synonyms of relentless

• grim
• determined
• persistent
• unrelenting
• ruthless

Examples of relentless in a Sentence

Her relentless optimism held the team together.

The hunter was relentless in pursuit of his prey.

a relentless opponent of deregulation

Recent Examples on the Web

Caland turned relentless mark-making, erotic bodies and embroidered garments into a boundary-blurring philosophy where art, home and life fully merge. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Carney’s relentless schedule reflects the urgency of his push to build alternatives to the United States. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

That stagnation is at the root of many of our relentless political fights. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

The exotic premise is developed with relentless seriousness, even severity, extracting deep pathos from the characters’ eerie reckonings. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: not lessening in severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless criticism

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun