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 All of which brings us to Tudor, a team-mate of Conte’s during their playing days and undoubtedly a man who has played and coached with the same ferocious tenacity as the former Chelsea boss. Adam Digby, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Gore led the effort with great tenacity, care and some humility. Michael Eric Siegel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025 This tenacity has been a driving force throughout his 32-year career. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 But a moment of tenacity caught the eye of Spurs’ head coach at the time, former Juventus and Italy midfielder Antonio Conte, and saw Mundle promoted to the first-team squad in early 2023. Richard Amofa, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity
Noun
  • This late-career emergence as an elite quarterback demonstrated both Gannon's persistence and the impact of finally finding the right organizational fit.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Such persistence can pay off in the long run: civil society groups in Bangladesh, South Africa, and Sri Lanka eventually chased out corrupt politicians.
    Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 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
  • In both world wars, the key to victory was not so much military prowess as unbeatable stamina.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Speed and stamina are core aspects of their role, and for most, these take a nosedive around these ages.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After 11 years of perseverance and determination, Rory McIlroy finally secured his elusive Grand Slam win, donning the iconic green jacket with tears of joy streaming down his face.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Then, on April 12, 1955, the results of the Polio Pioneers effort were announced, with the determination of at least a 90% level of protection, with no major side effects.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenacity. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tenacity

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