Definitions

tenacity

[tuh-nas-i-tee] / təˈnæs ɪ ti /

NOUN

diligence, stubbornness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chutzpah courage determination firmness grit guts perseverance persistence spunk steadfastness

STRONG

application backbone clock doggedness follow-through gutsiness heart inflexibility intransigence moxie nerve obduracy obstinacy pertinacity resoluteness resolution resolve starch staunchness stomach willfulness

WEAK

guttiness intestinal fortitude stick-to-itiveness strength of purpose true grit what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cowardice fear idleness indolence timidity weakness

STRONG

indecision question

WEAK

indifference irresolution slackness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“What struck me in researching this book was the perseverance, fortitude and tenacity that these families show. So many people would have thrown up their hands and given up,” Butts said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

We need now to have the strength, tenacity, wisdom and sense of community to build a better tomorrow.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

But while pundits praise her tenacity, her humility and her goalscoring impact, Blackstenius is not the perfect player.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Jones’ film is a palatable, pleasing story of tenacity in the face of marginalization.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

He was putting to work his tenacity and work ethic, the way he always gave to his teammates growing up, and blossoming into a leader..

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Vocabulary lists containing tenacity

100 SAT Words Beginning with "T"

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The Bluest Eye

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The Help

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