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 Keeping her content respectful is also important, and Abrams is adamant about telling these individual's stories and restoring their graves with their humanity in mind. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 This came after previous reports that Harry was adamant about protecting the couple’s children. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2025 Asked, in fact, whether any of the plazas or parks or streets in the development will bear their name, Chris was adamant. Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2025 However, Serafini is adamant that CURE's policy paperwork did in fact show the son as a driver. Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adamant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adamant
Adjective
  • Month over month, that would be the same stubborn pace that has persisted for more than two years.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Results show that microbial iron mining can immobilize toxic metals and convert stubborn pollutants into less harmful compounds.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jeff is known as a selfless mentor and a steadfast colleague.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond her torrid relationship with Taissa Turner, Van felt like a voice of reason in a sea of noise — steadfast in her effort to reform after her time in The Wilderness rather than succumbing to its violent will.
    Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The extruder gears and rods are made from hardened steel, which resists wear.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even a hardened home has weaknesses—in this case, a flammable window frame and unclosed eaves—that can lead to failure.
    Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adamant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adamant. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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