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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These include persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, recurring headaches, high blood pressure, and feelings of burnout, Patrick said.—
Julia Ries,
Health,
8 Mar. 2025
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The Fed in January hit the brakes on interest rate cuts, citing persistent inflation.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Another type of hyperpigmentation that kojic acid can help with is melasma—a stubborn and hard-to-treat skin condition characterized by splotchy, brown or grayish patches.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
4 Mar. 2025
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Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But Meghan, 43, was insistent, recalling that her mom, Doria Ragland, loved the West Coast fast food chain’s signature tacos.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
6 Mar. 2025
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Several reports have said there’s a new iPad Air on the way, though Gurman is insistent that won’t come just yet.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Warner was adamant that oppressors should be stopped not only using military force, but also with intellectual muscle and dialogue.—
Chris Yogerst / Made by History,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
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House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who championed the law in 2022, has been adamant that mandatory financial reserves for building maintenance are essential in preventing another building from crumbling to the ground.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Allen learned on the job from Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at The Row, who have always been resolute about doing things their own way.—
Nicole Phelps,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2025
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The resolute horse nudges the keg forward across challenging terrain and is unwavering in the desire to achieve the goal of delivering the keg of Budweiser beer.—
Todd Holmes,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Many in the department remain steadfast that Mercado should be disciplined — or at least removed from the prestigious investigative unit.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2025
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The key is to recognize that while retirement planning has evolved with technology, certain fundamental principles remain steadfast.—
Wayne Anderman,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
30 Dec. 2024
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The Founding generation also worried that older men were more inflexible, obstinate, uninterested in change, and stuck in their ways—all leadership qualities at odds with the experimentation needed for representative government.—
Rebecca Brannon / Made by History,
TIME,
3 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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