1
as in persistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
a tenacious trainer, she adheres to her grueling swimming schedule no matter what
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
you'll have a devil of a time getting those tenacious burrs off of your wool sweater
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tenacious
Defensive-minded: Williamson’s Broncos are noted for their tenacious defense.
—
Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
That kind of offence, plus some playmaking, energy, speed, tenacious forechecking and real feisty behaviour could be very useful for the Leafs.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Scale insects are one of the most common and tenacious pest of ornamental plants.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
If any tenacious wax is stuck to the tip of the dome, try using the wire loop on the reverse of the brush to gently scoop it out.
—Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
That kind of offence, plus some playmaking, energy, speed, tenacious forechecking and real feisty behaviour could be very useful for the Leafs.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Scale insects are one of the most common and tenacious pest of ornamental plants.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
If any tenacious wax is stuck to the tip of the dome, try using the wire loop on the reverse of the brush to gently scoop it out.
—Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacious
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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One of the more innovative parts of the new study was its use of wearable ECG monitors—small, adhesive patches worn on the chest that record heart activity 24/7.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
16 July 2025
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Yes | Reusable: Yes (over 50 times) Similar to reusable nipple covers, adhesive pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
16 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
-
But just as she’s dragged back into the spotlight, her body begins to stage a quiet, sticky rebellion into a raw, absurd, and disturbingly relatable reckoning with art, womanhood, and the sheer chaos of being human.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
21 July 2025
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Mercedes has this just about right, even with optional 22-inch AMG wheels shod with sticky high-performance Pirellis, as my test car was.—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes.com,
21 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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Tenacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacious. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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