tenacious

[tuh-ney-shuhs]

adjective

1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed byof ).

   a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.

2. highly retentive.

   a tenacious memory.

3. persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.

   Synonyms: obstinate, persistent, pertinacious, dogged

4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.

   Synonyms: clingy

5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.

tenacious

/ tɪˈneɪʃəs, tɪˈnæsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. holding or grasping firmly; forceful

   a tenacious grip

2. retentive

   a tenacious memory

3. stubborn or persistent

   a tenacious character

4. holding together firmly; tough or cohesive

   tenacious cement

5. tending to stick or adhere

   tenacious mud

Other Word Forms

• tenaciously adverb
• tenaciousness noun
• overtenacious adjective
• overtenaciousness noun
• untenacious adjective
• untenaciousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious¹

First recorded in 1600–10; tenaci(ty) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious¹

C16: from Latin tenāx, from tenēre to hold

Example Sentences

It’s going to take a tenacious commitment to enforcing the law.

Read more on Salon

Although Brittenham is remembered as a tenacious lawyer, he also had a reputation as a family man, often leaving the office by 5 p.m. to be with his wife and children.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the other stands the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the large and tenacious labor union that represents thousands of Republic employees.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Defensively solid, tenacious out of possession and dangerous going forward, it was England coming close to a complete performance in the Women's Nations League.

Read more on BBC

Jota was a fan favourite, respected as a tenacious player on the pitch but also known to supporters as a laid-back and outgoing character off the pitch.

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Related Words

• cohesive 
• determined 
• dogged 
• forceful 
• persistent 
• relentless 
• resolute 
• spunky 
• staunch 
• steadfast 
• stout 
• strong-willed 
• stubborn 
• tough 
• unswerving