headstrong

adjective

head·​strong ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ 

1

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

a headstrong teenager

2

: directed by ungovernable will

headstrong behavior

Synonyms of headstrong

• stubborn
• rebellious
• willful
• uncontrollable
• wayward

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

The girl had always been headstrong. —Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

Ibsen’s title character is a spoiled, headstrong young woman who, newly and unhappily married to a dull scholar, enacts a Machiavellian scheme to advance his career and her social standing, with catastrophic results. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025

Directed by Charles Stone III, Drumline captures the electric energy of HBCU band culture through the eyes of Devon Miles, a talented yet headstrong drummer from New York. —Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025

Behold Joshua Henry letting loose as the headstrong Coalhouse Walker Jr. in front of the piano. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 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