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

“Live by two words: tenacity and gratitude. Tenacity will get you where you want to go, and gratitude will make you enjoy the journey, no matter how bumpy.”

From Salon • May 16, 2026

But the German champions showed their tenacity and talent to reduce the deficit to one and ensure they remain in the tie for next week's return leg in Munich.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But beneath the outward beauty, I saw the hard gloss of tenacity and the steely glint of determination.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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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