1
as in persistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
a pertinacious little boy who was determined to catch and collect reptiles
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a pertinacious salesman who would simply not take "No!" for an answer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pertinacious
But Kerry, the pertinacious diplomat and former Massachusetts senator, sees too much to do — and insisted in an interview with The Boston Globe there is too much to possibly achieve — to quit just yet.
—
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinacious
Adjective
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While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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The story, separated into three sections—Blue, Red, and White—travels a spiraled, associative, and fragmented path, making persistent returns to the events connected to the photograph.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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His voice was deliberate and insistent, reinforcing the coercive atmosphere.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
2 July 2025
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Would the nurse have been so insistent had my father been English?—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
11 July 2025
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The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Corenswet has the right look—he’s got the glossy black hair, the resolute jaw—which points to another general Superman strength, particularly on film.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
11 July 2025
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While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
14 July 2025
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But others in the political realm have been steadfast in their support of Gunn’s framing of the character.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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All that being said, the controls can still feel frustratingly obstinate at times, and get in the way of the overall experience.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
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More: McConnell called Trump 'despicable' and a 'narcissist,' cried after Capitol riot, new book says Now out of GOP leadership, McConnell has emerged as the most obstinate member of a loose cohort of Republican senators willing to criticize the president’s policies and nominees.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
6 Jan. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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