tenacity
noun
Example Sentences
Max Rodenbeck, New York Book Review, 30 Nov. 2006 … everything about a person, even the most blameless of facts, can have the sticky tenacity of a secret. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2002 A tribute to tenacity, the free ascent of Trango Tower was the fulfillment of a cowboy climber's dream. Todd Skinner, National Geographic, April 1996 Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 The test doesn’t measure character, creativity, tenacity, mettle or any other personal characteristic a student would need to become a successful lawyer. WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 The Marlin in its face is a symbol of tenacity, commitment, and perseverance. Laxmi Corp, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 July 2022 Richards recalled a particular trip with Ms. McGuiness that demonstrated her tenacity. Neil Genzlinger, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 As far as the Lakers’ rookies, point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has impressed scouts with his defensive tenacity, one scout compared him to New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2022 Others may admire your tenacity and say so, impressed by your ability to grow and accept direction from others while still taking initiative in your life. Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2022 Former colleague Scott Hawkins, who now works in software licensing and partner relations at Nintendo, remembers his tenacity in the face of competition. Matt Gardner, Forbes, 27 June 2022 In the midst of all our challenges and all the hate, violence, and vitriol, our passion for what is possible is renewed by a recognition of meaningful steps born of our tears and our tenacity. Maya Wiley, The New Republic, 27 May 2022 See More Word History
Middle English tenacite, borrowed from Middle French tenacité, borrowed from Latin tenācitāt-, tenācitās, from tenāc-, tenāx "holding fast, tenacious" + -itāt- -itās -ity
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
tenacity
noun
tenacity
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- persistence
- persistency
- stamina
- determination
- perseverance
- endurance
- tenaciousness
- prowess
- courage
- doggedness
- fortitude
- grit
- bravery
- gumption
- nerve
- courageousness
- heroism
- resolution
- stomach
- boldness
- spunk
- pluck
- mettle
- audacity
- fearlessness
- backbone
- temper
- pluckiness
- fiber
- temerity
- daring
- valor
- effrontery
- gallantry
- intrepidity
- gall
- brazenness
- cojones
- stoutness
- virtue
- intrepidness
- hardihood
- moxie
- gutsiness
- dauntlessness
- daringness
- guts
- pecker
- cheek
- heart
- bottle
- greatheartedness
- intestinal fortitude
- doughtiness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- timidity
- hesitation
- indecision
- indecisiveness
- irresolution
- softness
- weakness
- fearfulness
- feebleness
- timorousness
- faintheartedness
- cold feet
- impotence
- ineffectualness
- mousiness
Synonym Chooser
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.
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 synonyms mettle and tenacity are sometimes interchangeable, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.
Although the words resolution and tenacity have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.
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.