willful

adjective

will·​ful ˈwil-fəl 

variants or wilful

1

: obstinately and often perversely self-willed

a stubborn and willful child

2

: done deliberately : intentional

willful disobedience

willfully

ˈwil-fə-lē 

adverb

willfulness noun

Synonyms

• balky
• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward

Choose the Right Synonym for willful

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 willful in a Sentence

a stubborn and willful child

He has shown a willful disregard for other people's feelings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last week, the state had asked Kendrick to plead guilty to conspiracy to violate Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and willful participation in street gang activity. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

As such, this cohort feels that white supremacy can be a confusing emphasis if not willful misdirection. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

The judge stated that the lawsuit could continue on one count, that Martinez’s claimed willful, wanton and reckless misconduct caused Nixon’s death. —Daniel Tepfer, Connecticut Post, 22 Oct. 2024

To be ignorant of love is a willful choice when presented so honestly. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

willful

adjective

will·​ful

variants or wilful

ˈwil-fəl 

1

: stubbornly determined to have one's own way

a willful child

2

: done deliberately : intentional

willful obedience

willfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

willfulness noun

Legal Definition

willful

adjective

will·​ful

variants or wilful

ˈwil-fəl 

: not accidental : done deliberately or knowingly and often in conscious violation or disregard of the law, duty, or the rights of others

willful injury

willfully adverb

willfulness noun