OBSTREPEROUS Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obstreperous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant , boisterous , clamorous , strident , and vociferous . While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint. // the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Q: Where would 'blatant' be a reasonable alternative to 'obstreperous'?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness. // blatant rock music // a blatant clamor for impeachment

Q: When can 'boisterous' be used instead of 'obstreperous'?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits. // a boisterous crowd of party goers

Q: When is 'clamorous' a more appropriate choice than 'obstreperous'?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting. // clamorous demands for prison reforms

Q: When might 'strident' be a better fit than 'obstreperous'?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise. // heard the strident cry of the crow

Q: In what contexts can 'vociferous' take the place of 'obstreperous'?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out. // vociferous cries of protest and outrage

obstreperous

adjective

əb-ˈstre-p(ə-)rəs

Definition of obstreperous next

as in outspoken

engaging in or marked by loud and insistent cries especially of protest an obstreperous crowd protesting the government's immigration policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control the club's president was at his wits' end with obstreperous members who refused to cooperate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obstreperous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music

a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of obstreperous The patience that administrators initially displayed toward their most obstreperous students ran out when the antisocial campus bacchanalia, and their tolerance thereof, did reputational damage to their host institutions. —

Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Jan. 2024 The Sun has become increasingly obstreperous lately, and the results here on Earth have been nothing short of dazzling – but also disruptive. —

Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023 The Boston Tea Party also symbolizes something obstreperous in the American character. —

The Editors, National Review, 16 Dec. 2023 Those old enough to have encountered the waxy brown goop may have even undertaken the ritual of removing the obstreperous material from cars made from the 1970s through 1990s. —

Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for obstreperous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous

Adjective

Todd was outspoken about the corrosive impacts of Trump-era lies and indecency — and was ridiculed by Trump and others for it.

— Brian Stelter, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Buttigieg, an outspoken Democratic surrogate during the 2024 campaign, is widely considered a 2028 presidential contender.

— Erin Doherty, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025