tenacious
Holding on tight
Tenacious describes someone or something that holds on firmly and refuses to let go.
A tenacious grip is hard to break.
A tenacious advocate persists despite obstacles.
The word implies determination that borders on stubbornness—tenacious people don't give up easily, whether that persistence is admirable or exhausting: She was tenacious in pursuing the story.
Continuing despite difficulty
- perseveringMaintaining effort despite difficulty
- doggedStubbornly persevering
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
unwavering · unyielding · indomitable · relentless · driven · committed · dedicated · single-minded
Able to recover quickly
- durableAble to withstand use
- hardyAble to endure difficulty
- toughDurable and strong
- long-lastingPersisting over extended time
robust · stamina · fortitude · survival · patience · consistency · dependability · reliability
Gripping without release
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
- stickyApt to adhere
- clingyTending to hold on
- graspingGreedy for wealth
holding · clutching · anchored · fastened · latching · gripping · unshakeable · tight
Firmly refusing to yield
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- mulishStubbornly refusing to yield
- pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
intransigent · recalcitrant · obdurate · willful · inflexible · unbending · stiff-necked · uncompromising
persistent
Continuing despite difficulty
- perseveringMaintaining effort despite difficulty
- doggedStubbornly persevering
- resoluteFixed in purpose
steadfast · unwavering · unyielding · indomitable · relentless · driven · committed · dedicated · single-minded · purposeful
resilient
Able to recover quickly
long-lasting · robust · stamina · fortitude · survival · patience · consistency · dependability · reliability · stability
clinging
Gripping without release
grasping · holding · clutching · anchored · fastened · latching · gripping · unshakeable · tight · secure
obstinate
Firmly refusing to yield
- headstrongStubbornly self-willed
- bullheadedStubbornly refusing to yield
- mulishStubbornly refusing to yield
pigheaded · intransigent · recalcitrant · obdurate · willful · inflexible · unbending · stiff-necked · uncompromising · immovable
- commitment levelscommitted, dedicated, devoted, loyal, faithful
- SAT vocabularyaesthetic, ambiguous, benevolent, candid, concise
- tenacitydetermined, persistence, persistent, perseverance, determination
- tough traitstough, resilient, fearless, brave, courageous
- composurecalm, calmness, composure, composed, poise
- durabilitytoughness, durable, sturdiness, robustness, sturdy
tenaciousquitting
Ceasing an activity
yielding · irresolute · surrendering · wavering · faltering
tenaciousloose
Not firmly secured
nonadhesive · slack · letting go · unattached · nonviscous
tenaciousfickle
Erratically disloyal in affection
inconstant · faithless · disloyal · treacherous · traitorous
- Tenacious DComedy rock band