1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headstrong differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of headstrong?

The words intractable and headstrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for headstrong?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When could refractory be used to replace headstrong?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When might ungovernable be a better fit than headstrong?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

Where would unruly be a reasonable alternative to headstrong?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

In what contexts can willful take the place of headstrong?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

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 headstrong Beyoncé's energy has always radiated the passionate, headstrong spirit of this Fire sign, whether in her performances or her fearless business ventures. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025 By the show’s end, Jamie has revealed himself to be a headstrong young man oscillating between a simmering rage and a craving to be liked. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • Get The Recipe Smart Move Similar recipes with beans and peas existed before then, but a challenge made to a stubborn chef named Helen Corbitt spurred the creation of Texas caviar.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
  • When tragedy strikes on Michigan roads—when a car skids off an icy bend or a semi-truck barrels through a red light—victims are often left to face not only devastating injuries but also a daunting legal maze of corporate denials and stubborn insurers.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The chairman was adamant this bill can still pass by Johnson's goal of Memorial Day.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 16 May 2025
  • Valli remains adamant about the importance of fashion as escapism.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies?
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Reasonable limits on liability • Exclusions for gross negligence or willful misconduct Tip: Always read these clauses carefully and ask your attorney to explain them in plain English.
    Stephen Nalley, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • As leaders of the lo-fi indie rock sound, the musicians remained something of a secret passed among fans, their air of willful inscrutability, ambivalence toward conventional success and general irreverence inspiring a dedicated faithful that has only grown over the years.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Daily use by adolescents and adults can result in another unpleasant side effect: uncontrollable vomiting, according to a 2021 study.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
  • The phenomenon happens after a person repeatedly experiences negative, uncontrollable events.
    Kim Key, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since the operation began on April 28, cops have handed out 916 criminal court summonses against wayward e-bikers — nearly double the amount that was given out all last year, the NYPD said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
  • Without preferred lies in place, many of the best players in the world hit wayward shots.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on headstrong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!