as in stubbornness
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the mindless obstinacy of those people who continue to insist that the earth is flat
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Recent Examples of obstinacy
The Korean experience also suggests that the obstinacy of Russian President Vladimir Putin—who, like Stalin, seems averse to compromise of any kind—could be especially obstructive.
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Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
People talk a lot about artificial intelligence but not enough about artificial obstinacy.
—David Brooks, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2015, their nuclear perseverance and obstinacy even compelled Barack Obama to sign an agreement accepting Iran’s status as a nuclear-threshold state, i.e., a state that can assemble a weapon in short order.
—Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023
Christie has been an immovable object, resisting all entreaties with characteristic obstinacy and swearing to remain in the race until New Hampshire.
—Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for obstinacy 
Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2023
People talk a lot about artificial intelligence but not enough about artificial obstinacy.
—David Brooks, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2015, their nuclear perseverance and obstinacy even compelled Barack Obama to sign an agreement accepting Iran’s status as a nuclear-threshold state, i.e., a state that can assemble a weapon in short order.
—Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023
Christie has been an immovable object, resisting all entreaties with characteristic obstinacy and swearing to remain in the race until New Hampshire.
—Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for obstinacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinacy
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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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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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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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.John Button, STAT, 16 Dec. 2023
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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
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 obstinacy
Cite this Entry
“Obstinacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinacy. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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