tenaciously

[ tuh-ney-shuhs-lee ]

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 Words From

• o·ver·te·na·cious·ly adverb
• un·te·na·cious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenaciously¹

tenacious ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Sarat argued that cases like Williams' push the country closer toward one day ending the death penalty, despite some states "tenaciously clinging" to it.

From Salon

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

He and other older members of the American political leadership of both political parties remain locked into narratives formed decades ago, and resist tenaciously the newer perspectives of younger government staffers and congressional aides.

From Seattle Times

"It's just another reason why we are tenaciously and tirelessly fighting for him to come home."

From BBC

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

From Washington Times

Related Words

• adamantly
• decisively
• doggedly
• persistently
• resolutely
• staunchly
• steadfastly
• strictly
• stubbornly