Synonyms

relentless

American

[ri-lent-lis] / rɪˈlɛnt lɪs /

adjective

not easing or slackening; maintaining speed, vigor, etc..

a relentless barrage of bad news.
unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh.

a relentless crackdown on human rights.

Synonyms:

unyielding, adamant, obdurate, unbending, rigid

Antonyms:

merciful

relentless British

/ rɪˈlɛntlɪs /

adjective

(of an enemy, hostile attitude, etc) implacable; inflexible; inexorable
(of pace or intensity) sustained; unremitting

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See inflexible.

Other Word Forms

relentlessly adverb
relentlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of relentless

First recorded in 1585–95; relent + -less

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.

If relentless investor net redemptions force some funds to shrink or sell loans at fire-sale prices, that could drive up borrowing costs across the market and slow new activity, hitting banks’ revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is still a realistic one, too, with Newcastle just four points off seventh place as a relentless schedule finally eases.

From BBC

Colombian Diaz, a wiley mix of wicked dribbles, relentless running and potent finishing, ranks among the top players in Europe's major leagues for goals, assists, open-play chances created and attempted dribbles.

From BBC

Clare asked, sure she was finally going to admit blame for her relentless return to his cottage.

From Literature

After relentless Russian attacks on Ukraine's oil refineries, the latter now heavily relies on fuel imports - largely via Poland, Greece, Lithuania and Turkey.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023