as in obstinate
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
he's just being stubborn, refusing even to try the new toothpaste
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
stubborn resistance
staunch resistance
determined resistance
hardheaded resistance
tenacious resistance
unyielding resistance
a stubborn streak
a defiant streak
a determined streak
a tenacious streak
an uncompromising streak
a rebellious streak
a stubborn child
stubborn stains
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stubborn
Use a cooktop scraper or soft sponge to remove stubborn residue while the cooktop is still warm for easier cleaning.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
As the spigot closed, inflation spiked (gee, maybe there’s a connection?) and the economy slowed, the state budget went from a whopping surplus to stubborn deficits.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Privilege raised its stubborn head again last month.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Here’s the case for Scorpio: Wednesday is suss, secretive, brooding, vengeful and stubborn.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
As the spigot closed, inflation spiked (gee, maybe there’s a connection?) and the economy slowed, the state budget went from a whopping surplus to stubborn deficits.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Privilege raised its stubborn head again last month.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Here’s the case for Scorpio: Wednesday is suss, secretive, brooding, vengeful and stubborn.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn
Adjective
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All that being said, the controls can still feel frustratingly obstinate at times, and get in the way of the overall experience.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
23 June 2025
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More: McConnell called Trump 'despicable' and a 'narcissist,' cried after Capitol riot, new book says Now out of GOP leadership, McConnell has emerged as the most obstinate member of a loose cohort of Republican senators willing to criticize the president’s policies and nominees.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
6 Jan. 2021
Adjective
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The Yankees have been adamant that Fried’s blister has nothing to do with his struggles.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
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However, Noem was adamant that the new black paint update is the deterrent the U.S. needs to secure the Mexican border.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Flash mobs in the Loop are a real problem demanding hardheaded solutions.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2025
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British officials know this and sometimes despair that their country has not found a way to be more hardheaded.—
Sam Knight,
The New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Sedaris will play Laurel Hammond-Muntz, the headstrong and devoted head writer and executive producer of the popular late-night talk show Way Late. Richter as Mickey Muntz, the hilarious but long-suffering sidekick to Scotty Bristol (Stephen Colbert), the host of Way Late.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
8 Aug. 2025
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Following Knightley’s stellar performance as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, Corrin is set to take on the starring role in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Exciting developments are on the horizon, but no matter how ebikes evolve, one rule remains steadfast: Buy a bike from a manufacturer that offers good customer support.—
Stephanie Pearson,
Wired News,
8 Aug. 2025
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Jones has remained steadfast in his praise of Parsons after his trade request.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Trump campaigned on a vow to end the Russia-Ukraine war but has had little success so far, largely because Putin has been intransigent in terms of offering concessions.—
Ian Swanson,
The Hill,
19 May 2025
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And ever since, Cambodia has not been quite as foolishly intransigent on discussions of the South China Sea.—
Bilahari Kausikan,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Feb. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Stubborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubborn. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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