Synonym Chooser

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

The words inflexible and obdurate are common synonyms of adamant. While all three words mean "unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose," adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.

adamant that the work should continue

When is it sensible to use inflexible instead of adamant?

The words inflexible and adamant can be used in similar contexts, but inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle.

inflexible in their demands

When could obdurate be used to replace adamant?

The words obdurate and adamant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.

obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

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 adamant But Chris and Jen [Candy] were so adamant. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 After taking a year off to improve his health, Renfrow was adamant about playing for the Panthers. Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025 Despite Boise State’s struggles on the ground in last week’s season-opening loss to South Florida, the coaching staff remains adamant about the team’s offensive identity. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2025 Since then, leaders including Marc Benioff and Jensen Huang have been adamant that cheaper alternatives to labor won’t cause mass unemployment. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adamant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adamant
Adjective
  • Of all the bad-hair-day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Spills can be blotted (never rubbed) with a dry cloth since the fabric is non-absorptive, and for more stubborn stains, dry cleaning is recommended.
    Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our administration must remain steadfast in ensuring that those who put in the work receive the benefits of their efforts.
    Ruth Vitale, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The engineering professor is steadfast that nearly all jobs will be taken over by AI—even most of the ones that have a special human touch, like teachers and car drivers.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in Venezuela’s central state of Aragua.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • By breeding Florida’s hardened survivors with Honduran corals, the scientists hope to create offspring that will carry a new heat-resistant genetic armor for the climate battles ahead.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adamant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adamant. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adamant

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