1
as in persistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
a pertinacious little boy who was determined to catch and collect reptiles
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a pertinacious salesman who would simply not take "No!" for an answer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pertinacious
But Kerry, the pertinacious diplomat and former Massachusetts senator, sees too much to do — and insisted in an interview with The Boston Globe there is too much to possibly achieve — to quit just yet.
—
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Jess Bidgood, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Feb. 2023
Barletta’s pertinacious reputation on immigration, from his time as mayor of Hazleton to his four terms in the U.S. House, is at center stage this year in his campaign to defeat Sen. Bob Casey’s bid for a third term.
—Chris Brennan, Philly.com, 25 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinacious
Adjective
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Slowdowns and glitches are among the persistent complaints.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2025
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The changes come after a tumultuous March and first quarter for investors, which struggled to navigate rising trade tensions and persistent inflation.—
Hakyung Kim,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
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Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Marsh was insistent there was still more to unlock in Vandersloot — even at 36, even in Year 15 in the league.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2025
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Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images 2015 [Zoe] Saldaña reveals that her husband was insistent on taking her last name, which their kids also share.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Nobody’s shooting on this season’s Longhorns would be mistaken for Stephen Curry’s, but Schaefer is adamant that this group stands out among his 20-year head-coaching career.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Still, Jenkins was adamant about not moving to the city.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The letter offers a resolute response to Ballal’s treatment unlike the one signed by Yang and Kramer.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
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There is plenty of good sense in the EU taking a resolute stand.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the shifting sands in the content marketplace, Mayer assured the crowd of industry insiders that Blackrock remains steadfast in its Candle investment.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
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Despite growing exhaustion, Booker remained steadfast, sustaining himself with only water as his voice grew stronger with emotion.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Inna, notoriously protective of her husband’s legacy, worked with a translator and editors on a few chapters of the book but then retreated into obstinate silence.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2025
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Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.—
Arthur House,
Hartford Courant,
30 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pertinacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinacious. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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