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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 Ellen retreats to her room and daydreams of her father, who understood his headstrong daughter. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Following Knightley’s stellar performance as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, Corrin is set to take on the starring role in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 30 July 2025 Four headstrong women break out of the asylum to which their families have committed them. The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The six-part drama is inspired by the lives of the aristocratic Mitford sisters – six headstrong women who frequently made headlines around the world. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small canines are energetic, bold and stubborn.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both options meant navigating some stubborn supporters.
    Kevin Coulson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To their credit, Wild GM Bill Guerin and owner Craig Leipold were adamant that wasn’t going to happen and got a deal done.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • His family, as well as his legal team, are adamant that Combs has been rehabilitated and should be released.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Do something semi-rebellious in honor of Lane Kim Like dyeing your hair or joining a band!
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Kimmel is once again on the air throughout the country now that rebellious affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair have backed down and agreed to resume airing his ABC late-night show after a weeklong standoff.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The three, from Southern California, were arrested and booked into Mono County Jail on suspicion of willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, a felony.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Miller was charged with domestic abuse assault, willful injury and kidnapping, according to the sheriff.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The ransom notes that followed stirred up an uncontrollable press storm, but when the culprits fell silent, the police faltered, and Catriona and Adam were never seen again.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • These faulty proteins accumulate in a deep brain structure called the striatum and cause symptoms such as uncontrollable movements, muscle spasms and cognitive decline that worsen over time.
    Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If there’s a team meal one night, Monken is there to make sure there are no wayward plates or utensils left out.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The streamer will also be on stage for a panel about Paul Greengrass’ The Lost Bus, in which a wayward school bus driver and a dedicated school teacher battle to save 22 children from a terrifying inferno.
    The Deadline Team, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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