How to Pronounce Tenacious

To pronounce "tenacious", say TEN-ac-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /təˈneɪʃəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tenacious

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Accent

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/təˈneɪʃəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tenacious”

"tenacious" has 3 syllables: ten-ac-ious. It rhymes with salacious and audacious, if that helps it stick.

What does tenacious mean?

adjective

  1. Clinging to an object or surface; adhesive.
  2. Unwilling to yield or give up; dogged.

Synonyms

clingsomestickyelephantlikememoriouscoherentpigheadedsteadfast

Hear “tenacious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tenacious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

salaciousaudaciousvivaciousostentatiousgraciousvexatiousrapaciousmendaciousfallaciousvoraciousefficaciousperspicacious

Related words

pertinaciousdoggedstubbornretentivedourunyieldingcoherentadhesive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tenacious"?▾

"Tenacious" has 3 syllables: ten · ac · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "tenacious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tenacious" is /təˈneɪʃəs/.

What does "tenacious" mean?▾

Tenacious: Clinging to an object or surface; adhesive.

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