Definition of stubbornnext

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

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 stubborn The ProLeap system handles thresholds and room transitions that stop other robots cold, 35,000Pa of suction with anti-tangle brush technology tackles carpets and pet hair, and dual omni-scrub mopping with hot water takes care of stubborn floor stains. Victoria Song, The Verge, 22 June 2026 The week’s biggest stories Boyle Heights warehouse fire Los Angeles faces a state of emergency as a stubborn Boyle Heights warehouse fire continues spewing smoke across region. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 The Spaniards will also be coming up against another stubborn stopper in Mohammed Al-Owais, who made nine saves in the Saudis’ first match. Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Depending on how stubborn your stain is, the simplest trick is making a paste with baking soda. Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn
Adjective
  • And in Season Two, Survival of the Thickest went all out on a dream wedding for Peppermint, an idea Buteau was adamant about making it on screen.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • Advertisement Throughout negotiations, Tehran has been adamant that any cease-fire with Washington must also end the hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, and that any permanent truce must lead to Israel withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Federal Reserve’s steadfast period of low interest rates in the 2000s was criticized as contributing to a housing bubble in the 2000s, followed by the mortgage crisis of 2007 and the Great Recession the following year.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 22 June 2026
  • With the almighty Sun highlighting your 7th House of Partnership, commitments benefit from structure that includes realistic timelines and steadfast follow-through.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The council is obstinate, dismissive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But amid an increasingly obstinate City Council, opponent Ald.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then, in 1930, Horkheimer, a brilliant, turbulent man with a melancholic streak, became director and instilled a more intransigent perspective.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • This seemingly intransigent problem now has a solution, thanks to a team led by Rudich and Römer.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Fisher is set to play Barbara Van Laar, the artistic and headstrong teen with a punk sensibility, whose disappearance is at the heart of the series.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 May 2026
  • The Leadership Lesson Cultures are headstrong entities.
    Jane Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • In Beijing, the president scrapped hardheaded diplomacy in favor of an imagined personal bond.
    Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026
  • At the George offices, Berman loses it once and for all at John’s lateness, his indifference to the daily operations of the magazine, and his hardheaded refusal to consider the TV show.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stubborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubborn. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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