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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 These scenes ground Agathe, imbuing her with the headstrong determination of Jo March. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025 Soon there is violence and terror, and then arguments over how to respond to that, and then Ellie being as headstrong as always, consequences be damned. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025 Witherspoon, who is also executive producing the spinoff, originally played Elle Woods, a headstrong Harvard Law student, in the iconic Legally Blonde movies in the early 2000s. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 15 May 2025 Simpson’s family described him as a laidback yet headstrong, philosophical man. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump has been adamant his tariffs will bring factory jobs back to American shores.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Among the holdouts are members of the SALT Caucus, who have been adamant that any deal from the Senate that does not match the one that passed the House is dead on arrival.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mexican music has always been rock-ish in spirit — sincere, rebellious, a direct message that invites you to rebel against the world.
    Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • Strahovski shares details about her character’s state of mind the moment when everything changed with a bold and rebellious move, after finding love again with Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), below.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Court records show Rahman pleaded guilty Jan. 17 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified national defense information.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement.
    Lauren Harvey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • King Charles, while maintaining a private, familial relationship, is in the same camp but does have a special agreement that allows his wayward brother to attend private family luncheons… but no more public processions or official duties.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Rather than trying to eliminate leaf miners, focus on keeping your lemon tree healthy by fertilizing it as needed, watering it deeply during prolonged drought, and properly pruning broken and wayward branches.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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