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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstinacy
People talk a lot about artificial intelligence but not enough about artificial obstinacy.
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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
This repetitiveness, this obstinacy, is a distinctive feature of Ellroy’s writing.
—Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for 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
This repetitiveness, this obstinacy, is a distinctive feature of Ellroy’s writing.
—Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for obstinacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinacy
Noun
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Conclusion Transitioning into the data analytics industry requires persistence, curiosity and a commitment to learning.Jay Garcia, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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The real estate sector is highly competitive and requires tough skin, persistence and self-confidence.William Mullane, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 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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While nobody is mourning the fall of Bashar al-Assad—even Iran, Assad's most prolific backer, was getting tired of his intransigence—there are fears about what a post-Assad Syria might have in store.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
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For some reason, despite a new police chief, despite most of the old players being gone, some of whom were reprimanded, there was still some institutional intransigence into really doing the right thing.Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 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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Living in a complex with neighbors facing substance abuse and mental health struggles tested his resolve.Ryan Macasero, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024
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Nowhere was this more evident than in Brazil, where, under conditions ever-challenging, the Enstone outfit managed to maintain composure to secure a stunning double podium—a sense of resolve that also reverberates through the words of their Team Principal, Oliver Oakes.Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
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These early experiences built the foundation for a lifetime of creativity, hard work and determination.Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
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Dangerous, and often unscripted moments, like the ones described above have happened to a number of motorists across the country in 2024, leaving many to rely on their sheer wit and determination to survive.Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near obstinacy
Cite this Entry
“Obstinacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinacy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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