willful

adjective

will·​ful ˈwil-fəl 

variants or wilful

1

: obstinately and often perversely self-willed

a stubborn and willful child

2

: done deliberately : intentional

willful disobedience

willfully

ˈwil-fə-lē 

adverb

willfulness noun

Synonyms

• balky
• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward

Choose the Right Synonym for willful

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 willful in a Sentence

a stubborn and willful child

He has shown a willful disregard for other people's feelings.

Recent Examples on the Web

As leaders of the lo-fi indie rock sound, the musicians remained something of a secret passed among fans, their air of willful inscrutability, ambivalence toward conventional success and general irreverence inspiring a dedicated faithful that has only grown over the years. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

Reasonable limits on liability • Exclusions for gross negligence or willful misconduct Tip: Always read these clauses carefully and ask your attorney to explain them in plain English. —Stephen Nalley, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

The trio seems to have little in common, and the willful misunderstanding and petty tone-policing by Serge and Marc are relentless. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

Rather than attempt a feeble defense of himself, Nick attacks June for the same willful ignorance her mother accused her of in Alaska. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for willful

• skilful
• skillful
• wilful
• unskillful

Kids Definition

willful

adjective

will·​ful

variants or wilful

ˈwil-fəl 

1

: stubbornly determined to have one's own way

a willful child

2

: done deliberately : intentional

willful obedience

willfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

willfulness noun

Legal Definition

willful

adjective

will·​ful

variants or wilful

ˈwil-fəl 

: not accidental : done deliberately or knowingly and often in conscious violation or disregard of the law, duty, or the rights of others

willful injury

willfully adverb

willfulness noun