1
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a headstrong child who likes to test the limits of his parents' patience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adamant
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the tenants of the building remain headstrong in their determination not to be evicted by the developer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of headstrong
Fickell knows the perception of Vrabel, the headstrong former linebacker who doesn’t take s— from anyone.
—
Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
That wasn’t entirely fair to the author herself, whose headstrong, unglamorous heroines and cutting observations about class and status had kept her work fresh for centuries.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Elena holds her headstrong, intellectually gifted friend Lila in reverent admiration, but the girls’ paths diverge when Lila, who cannot afford to continue her education, marries an abusive man, while Elena goes to university and becomes a writer.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
First, Butler and Riley, who joined the franchise in 1995, have headstrong personalities.
—James Jackson, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
That wasn’t entirely fair to the author herself, whose headstrong, unglamorous heroines and cutting observations about class and status had kept her work fresh for centuries.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Elena holds her headstrong, intellectually gifted friend Lila in reverent admiration, but the girls’ paths diverge when Lila, who cannot afford to continue her education, marries an abusive man, while Elena goes to university and becomes a writer.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
First, Butler and Riley, who joined the franchise in 1995, have headstrong personalities.
—James Jackson, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
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Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Yet even as Bix seems to be an avatar for all the suffering and trauma the Star Wars galaxy has to offer, Arjona is adamant that her character is not a victim.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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The league is adamant that the managers and front-office execs were informed, that front offices were updated on the specifics of the umpires’ labor agreement in writing and that there was no intent to keep anyone in the dark.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Lesser powers that find themselves under the dominion of a great power against their wishes can be resentful and rebellious.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
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In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Court records also show Mabry, of Oakland, has two prior felony convictions: second-degree robbery in February 2013 and evading an officer with willful disregard for public safety in June 2022.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
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The second is either a massive misjudgment or another example of willful deception.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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At least, as much as possible in an inherently uncontrollable industry.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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The sloppy security breaches, the embarrassing headlines, the uncontrollable infighting and undermining, the lack of accountability — this all belongs to Hegseth.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This wayward backhand bonk was often felt on the head of a tipsy Dean Martin during his celebrity roast TV specials.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2025
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As Murray looked to pass the ball to shooting guard Christian Braun on the wing, Harden jumped into Murray’s line of vision, forcing a wayward delivery that was behind Braun and stolen by Clippers reserve Bogdan Bogdanović.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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