relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs How to pronounce relentless (audio)
Synonyms of relentless
: showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting
relentless pressure
a relentless campaign
relentlessly adverb
relentlessness noun

Synonyms of relentless

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Examples of relentless in a Sentence

Her relentless optimism held the team together. The hunter was relentless in pursuit of his prey. a relentless opponent of deregulation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The problem is that the action becomes so relentless, so explicitly gory, that a bad aftertaste sets in. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 As for Jang Geon-young, the relentless prosecutor at the center of Season 1, his fate is left as a mystery. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Many are relentless in their efforts to protect a socialist China and the Chinese Communist Party. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 The logic of relentless security oversight has also radically curtailed the release of even routine statistics. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relentless

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relentless was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

relentingly
relentless
relentment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relentless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relentless. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relentless

adjective
re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs How to pronounce relentless (audio)
: not lessening in severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting
relentless criticism
relentlessly adverb
relentlessness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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