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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

Examples 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 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 And anyway, subverting an election is hardly the act of an obstreperous child. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 8 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for obstreperous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • And [Israel] also tried to silence the outspoken voices of what remains from the U.N.
    Karl Vick, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The late Michael Jackson was outspoken about sexuality and often caused controversy with his provocative dance moves.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The current state of his ’stache, more tweezed than Hughes’s rebellious bushy caterpillar, is owed to that role.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Tired of the toxic culture within the group, Veronica teams up with her rebellious new boyfriend, J.D. (played by Christian Slater), and things quickly spiral out of control as their plot to take down the Heathers turns deadly.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Taylor Luck Yet causing unease are the nominations by Mr. Trump of several prospective Cabinet members or other key officials who are vocal or financial supporters of Israeli settler groups that are violently driving Palestinian families off their lands.
    Fatima AbdulKarim, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Peter Dinklage’s vocal performance of Dr. Dillamoad, the all-wise goat, is superb.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The rebel spark in my heart, though, wasn’t completely snuffed.
    Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Over the past year, the conflict between rebel forces and government troops in Myanmar has brought new refugees to the settlements.
    Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 1 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But in 2014, Amira Hass, Haaretz’s correspondent in Ramallah and a vociferous critic of the Israeli occupation, was kicked out of an event at Bir Zeit University by two professors.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The terrace where Middlesbrough’s more vociferous fans would congregate is further commemorated in a series of street names that include The Midfield and The Turnstile.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Even so, Mars’ defiant punk energy can draw some stares from the neighbors back home.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Her eyes are an expressive window into the character’s lifetime of hurt and exclusion or defiant pride and anger, sometimes spanning that range and more within one scene or song or single line reading.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • It was shown to a broader audience through theater showings and blatant marketing, such as Times Square, New York, and Los Angeles billboards.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
  • As the Cure’s front man and primary songwriter, Smith’s never been shy about drawing blatant lyrical inspiration from his favorite books and poems.
    Chris Stanton, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This powerful, palm-sized tool hits the town on stubborn breakouts with a potent blend of blue (415 nm) and red (630 nm) light therapies.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Few modern artists do so much to persuade us that creative endeavor is a struggle—an anxious wrestling with the stubborn materials to hand, and a determination to plow on.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near obstreperous

Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstreperous

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