STUBBORN Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'stubborn' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged , mulish , obstinate , and pertinacious . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

Q: When might 'dogged' be a better fit than 'stubborn'?

The meanings of dogged and stubborn largely overlap; however, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mulish' instead of 'stubborn'?

Although the words mulish and stubborn have much in common, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: In what contexts can 'obstinate' take the place of 'stubborn'?

The synonyms obstinate and stubborn are sometimes interchangeable, but obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'pertinacious' be used to replace 'stubborn'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn , pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

stubborn

adjective

ˈstə-bərn

Definition of stubborn next

as in adamant

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion he's just being stubborn, refusing even to try the new toothpaste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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stubborn resistance

staunch resistance

determined resistance

hardheaded resistance

tenacious resistance

unyielding resistance

a stubborn streak

a defiant streak

a determined streak

a tenacious streak

an uncompromising streak

a rebellious streak

a stubborn child

a hardheaded child

a defiant child

a rebellious child

a headstrong child

an obdurate child

stubborn stains

tough stains

persistent stains

difficult stains

impossible stains

intractable stains

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stubborn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and pertinacious. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

When might dogged be a better fit than stubborn?

The meanings of dogged and stubborn largely overlap; however, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is it sensible to use mulish instead of stubborn?

Although the words mulish and stubborn have much in common, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can obstinate take the place of stubborn?

The synonyms obstinate and stubborn are sometimes interchangeable, but obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could pertinacious be used to replace stubborn?

While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

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 stubborn Shifting Gears stars Tim Allen as Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of Parker Customs, a classic car restoration shop. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 During the regular 2023 legislative session and in several special sessions that followed, Abbott pushed mightily for legislation to establish a school voucher system but his efforts died in the House amid the stubborn opposition of Democrats and a handful of Republicans. —

John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024 Brown sugar granules gently remove stubborn flakes, while jojoba and argan oil deliver a nourishing dose of hydration to help keep skin from drying out. —

Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024 The year is 1600 and a stubborn British seaman piloting a Dutch ship washes ashore in Japan. —

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stubborn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn

Adjective

The company has long maintained that privacy is a fundamental human right and has been adamant that the information stored on its devices be accessible only to the people that own them.

Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Despite the abuse Drea and her kids have experienced, the mother of three is adamant about keeping her ex-husband’s last name.

Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024