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Synonyms

tenaciously

American  
[tuh-ney-shuhs-lee] / təˈneɪ ʃəs li /

adverb

  1. in a strong, tight, or secure manner.

    With its creeping roots and clawed tendrils, the invasive cat’s claw vine clings tenaciously to almost any surface.

  2. in a persistent or stubborn manner.

    Traditional pastoralist societies have tenaciously held on to their customs and rituals in the face of tremendous pressure from governments bent on development.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of tenaciously

tenacious ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing tenaciously

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.

He was a product of the Roman-style landed elite that clung on tenaciously in that region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

Osborne had taken just one shot to that point as the Cougars worked tenaciously to deny the All-Pac-12 guard the ball.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2024

Short on time, Black defends tenaciously and nearly claws back into the game: 25.

From Washington Times • Nov. 7, 2023

For Taylor Swift fans who tenaciously procure those infamously scarce golden tickets to her shows, there are no deep cuts, certainly no throwaway tracks.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2023

Of course I could whomp up a medium storm or a small earthquake in good taste and proper proportion, but in this account I have clung tenaciously, perhaps foolishly, to the truth.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

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