TENACITY Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

tenacity

noun

as in persistence

ability or willingness to carry on despite danger, difficulty, or obstacle Although they appeared to be losing badly, the home team's tenacity allowed them to make a comeback and clinch the victory.

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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 Lee hasn’t provided the outside shooting and defensive tenacity of Martin or Richards. —

Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026 Common traits include tenacity, resilience, empathy, authenticity, self-awareness, creativity, social intelligence, and determination. —

Sarah Allen Benton, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025 Success is due to our tenacity in evolving and our desire for accolades. —

Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 19 Dec. 2025 Madigan developed tenacity as a rising actress in the business. —

Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenacity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenacity

Noun

The distorting design of the Senate and the Electoral College, the filibuster’s persistence, and centralized leadership have all contributed to legislative ossification.

— Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Twenty years of hard work and persistence, blessed by occasional moments when chance had generously smiled on him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026