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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 Rossellini has a history of playing headstrong characters. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures. Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025 Kosowski's unique ability to lay a firm, gentle hand on the work of headstrong artists is essential to the project's excellence. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 22 Nov. 2024 With a headstrong star playing his leverage, as are the Heat ready at every turn for what comes next in this melodrama, go ahead and buckle up for the next steps to play out in real time. Evan Sidery, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headstrong 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • America’s stubborn division was reflected at the nation on the largest stage possible.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The telescope now named for her will help unravel the stubborn mystery surrounding it.
    Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The arbitration ruling is vindication of sorts for the buyers, who have been adamant over the past year that Taylor was delaying the inevitable.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Head coach Leon Rice was adamant his team would heat up from three, but the 3-point shooting remained spotty.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ali is a directionless and rebellious 17-year-old girl with an overprotective mother who eventually finds her passion in music after taking piano lessons from an elderly woman in her apartment building.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Talking about the soul is more rebellious than talking about Marxist revolution.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Gotthard gave Elizabeth the task of controlling the spoiled, willful, and lazy child.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • While the record number of willful, malicious or accidental deaths by firearms peaked in 2021, numbers in 2023 remain higher than averages from nearly 10 years ago.
    Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But it’s almost carried by an uncontrollable wave that his eighth album arrives, to once again redefine the limits of the genre.
    Billboard France, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
  • If deployed in critical applications—such as power grid management or financial trading systems—the potential for unexpected and uncontrollable outcomes would increase significantly.
    Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Besides Arte Johnson as Tyrone, another favorite famous target of Gladys’ wayward backhand was often the head of tipsy Dean Martin during his celebrity roast TV specials.
    Phil Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
  • En route to fetch his wayward sister, Dexter’s voice-over muses that Harry’s belief in good people and bad people isn’t quite right — there’s darkness in everyone.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near headstrong

Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on headstrong

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