headstrong

adjective

head·​strong ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily restrained : impatient of control, advice, or suggestions

a headstrong businessman

2

: directed by ungovernable will

violent headstrong actions

Synonyms

• froward
• incontrollable
• intractable
• recalcitrant
• refractory
• uncontrollable
• ungovernable
• unmanageable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for headstrong

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of headstrong in a Sentence

The child is very headstrong.

He is known for his headstrong behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Simpson’s family described him as a laidback yet headstrong, philosophical man. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025

Zelensky is a proud and headstrong leader who also faces democratic pressures at home. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 2025

Even caring for Clover, the clairvoyant Megan (Ji-young Yoo), the lovestruck Max (Michael Cimino), the headstrong Nina (Odessa A’zion), and the arrogant Abe (Belmont Cameli, a total scene-stealer) will regret stopping to see this particular roadside attraction, several times over. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025

This classic Eastside story centers Ana García, a headstrong teen with educational aspirations, who is often at odds with her traditional, menopausal Mexican mother, Carmen. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headstrong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

Kids Definition

headstrong

adjective

head·​strong -ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily controlled : wanting one's own way

a headstrong child

2

: directed by uncontrollable will

violent headstrong actions