as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the administrator was known for her unyielding obduracy even in the face of proof that she was wrong
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Recent Examples of obduracy
Related: ‘Neglected diseases’ are anything but neglected by the billion-plus people living with them
One possible reason for this obduracy is that noma begins as a dental disease, and dental diseases have long been underappreciated global health concerns.
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John Button, STAT, 16 Dec. 2023
Andreas blames the obduracy of U.S. politicians and bureaucrats for the persistence of the drug wars, despite their evident failure and their huge financial and human costs.
—Russell Crandall, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022
Real Madrid beat Liverpool, 1-0, on Saturday in Paris with a performance of ruthless efficiency, of meticulous organization, of clinical obduracy.
—New York Times, 28 May 2022
In mid-March, Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a reversal of course after his earlier obduracy against asking for help.
—Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2022
The rise of the Delta variant and the obduracy of vaccination resisters altered the landscape of the pandemic in just the last few months.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021
Myanmar is also being consumed by the coronavirus, a health disaster that has been exacerbated by the junta’s obduracy.
—BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2021
John Button, STAT, 16 Dec. 2023
Andreas blames the obduracy of U.S. politicians and bureaucrats for the persistence of the drug wars, despite their evident failure and their huge financial and human costs.
—Russell Crandall, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.
—Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022
Real Madrid beat Liverpool, 1-0, on Saturday in Paris with a performance of ruthless efficiency, of meticulous organization, of clinical obduracy.
—New York Times, 28 May 2022
In mid-March, Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a reversal of course after his earlier obduracy against asking for help.
—Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2022
The rise of the Delta variant and the obduracy of vaccination resisters altered the landscape of the pandemic in just the last few months.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021
Myanmar is also being consumed by the coronavirus, a health disaster that has been exacerbated by the junta’s obduracy.
—BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obduracy
Noun
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For the second straight season, Mahomes has done so largely due to his persistence, problem-solving ability and willingness to adjust his playing style to any game’s specific circumstances.Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
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The persistence of market failure and agency expertise narratives, despite political failures and bureaucratic ineptitude being the true obstacles.Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Arsenal learned all about Brighton’s January intransigence two years ago while making a determined pursuit of Caicedo.Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
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One of his spokesmen has been indicted for endangering national security on suspicion of falsifying and leaking classified intelligence in order to validate the cabinet’s intransigence on a hostage deal.Shalom Lipner, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Yet, over time, Bashar Assad inherited his father’s obstinacy and brutality and increasingly relied on the security apparatus to maintain control, stifling dissent and curbing opposition.Sefa Secen / Made by History, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
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That is the popular girl’s cross to bear, and the desperate obstinacy that comes with this realization is one of Cody’s main themes.Rafaela Bassili, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2024
Noun
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The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023
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Dan recalled of his daughter’s persistency.Eric Sondheimer Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2020
Noun
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Many see sanctuary cities as a human rights issue, but for conservatives the locations are often touted as . Democrats have been touting the strength of the unofficial sanctuary status, but Trump's resolve will likely provide a stress test in the coming four years.Dan Gooding, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
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Diana is more convincing in her resolve to not take part in a lust triangle with Danni and Chase.Emma Soren, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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These systems are considered substantial factors in making determinations that affect access to critical opportunities like employment, healthcare, or financial services.Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
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On that day, Neymar was unplayable, a one-man force on the ball who displayed the incredible skills and elite determination that have marked his playing days.Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obduracy
Cite this Entry
“Obduracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obduracy. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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