OBDURATE Synonyms: 222 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obdurate' different from other adjectives like it?

The words adamant and inflexible are common synonyms of obdurate . While all three words mean "unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose," obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace. // obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

Q: When can 'adamant' be used instead of 'obdurate'?

The words adamant and obdurate can be used in similar contexts, but adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty. // adamant that the work should continue

Q: Where would 'inflexible' be a reasonable alternative to 'obdurate'?

While the synonyms inflexible and obdurate are close in meaning, inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle. // inflexible in their demands

obdurate

adjective

ˈäb-də-rət

Definition of obdurate next

as in ruthless

having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings the obdurate refusal of the crotchety old man to let the neighborhood kids retrieve their stray ball from his backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion an obdurate farmer who could never be convinced to try a different method of fertilization

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obdurate different from other adjectives like it?

The words adamant and inflexible are common synonyms of obdurate. While all three words mean "unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose," obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.

obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

When can adamant be used instead of obdurate?

The words adamant and obdurate can be used in similar contexts, but adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.

adamant that the work should continue

Where would inflexible be a reasonable alternative to obdurate?

While the synonyms inflexible and obdurate are close in meaning, inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle.

inflexible in their demands

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 obdurate Most of these initiatives met obdurate resistance from more powerful sectors of the state, and by the end of Khatami’s second term, in 2005, the reform movement had lost much of its momentum. —

Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 Aug. 2025 Ipswich proved obdurate and then generous opponents — Newcastle’s 78 per cent possession was the highest by any team in a Premier League match this season — and their relegation was confirmed by this 3-0 defeat. —

George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Whatever regime emerges could well be even more radical and obdurate. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 Advertisement None of that has immunized the lowly smelt from its most obdurate enemy: partisan folly. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obdurate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obdurate

Adjective

There’s also just one overwhelming evil force in this play — the Nazis — whereas Dumas had his musketeers fighting not just ruthless government officials but royalty, religious leaders and nobles.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
With a lesser interpreter in the role, Eva might have read more reductively as just a ruthless bureaucratic leader.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026