tenacious
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for tenacious, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tenacious
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tenacious defence
tenacious grip
a tenacious fighter
Etymology
From Latin tenax ("holding fast, clinging"), from tenere ("to hold").
Full origin of tenacious →Frequently asked questions
What does “tenacious” mean?
The word “tenacious” means refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult. In plain terms, holding on stubbornly and refusing to let go, whether that's an idea, a goal, or a physical grip.
How do you pronounce “tenacious”?
“Tenacious” is pronounced tuh-NAY-shuhs (/təˈneɪʃəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tenacious” in a sentence?
Here is “tenacious” used in a sentence: “Her tenacious pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond.”
What is another word for “tenacious”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tenacious” include sticky, steadfast and memorious.
What part of speech is “tenacious”?
“Tenacious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “tenacious” come from?
The word “tenacious” comes from Latin. From Latin tenax ("holding fast, clinging"), from tenere ("to hold").
How many meanings does “tenacious” have?
“Tenacious” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult.
