headstrong

adjective

head·​strong ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily restrained : impatient of control, advice, or suggestions

a headstrong businessman

2

: directed by ungovernable will

violent headstrong actions

Synonyms

• froward
• incontrollable
• intractable
• recalcitrant
• refractory
• uncontrollable
• ungovernable
• unmanageable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for headstrong

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of headstrong in a Sentence

The child is very headstrong.

He is known for his headstrong behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, be ready to embrace your inner leader once the solar eclipse in headstrong Aries hits on March 29, as this lunation pushes you to step into a more confident space around communication. —Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2025

His pride and ambition causes tension with his team, including his headstrong patissier Yuan (Ok Taec-yeon), and loyal sous chef Rinko (Kyoka Suzuki). —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025

Despite occasional disorganization and confusion, there’s a headstrong determination to push through any obstacles. —Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Kyle Shanahan, although perfectly capable of tweaking the offense to mask Rodgers’ deficiencies, also might wind up clashing with the headstrong quarterback. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headstrong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

Kids Definition

headstrong

adjective

head·​strong -ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily controlled : wanting one's own way

a headstrong child

2

: directed by uncontrollable will

violent headstrong actions