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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 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 Now, their headstrong father, Kevin Jonas Sr., is the proud owner of The Album after beating out competitors in a bidding war for the purchase of a portion of the Jonas Brothers catalog. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025 This Napoleon is headstrong, defiant and victorious. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 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
  • Viewers were quick to point out the hilarity of the dog's stubborn protest, with many suggesting that the dachshund had already claimed permanent rights to the bed.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The stubborn myth that Jews are too safe to be targets is colliding with a painful new reality.
    Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, her mother is adamant about keeping the canine off the antique chair.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Sandlin was adamant that his engineering team has done everything possible to ensure no adverse impact to neighboring properties.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The third book in the Luna Sisters series follows the journey to love for the youngest and most rebellious Luna sister, Gabriela.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (McGraw) is now 14, a rebellious teenager living under Gemma’s overprotective rules.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Penalties can apply even if the omission wasn’t willful.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maybe this willful disregard for someone’s wishes, particularly about their home, is part of some larger family dynamic.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The main risk is that these batteries can overheat and go into thermal runaway, a chain reaction that occurs when a lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state—resulting in extremely high temperature, smoke and, ultimately, a fire that is notoriously difficult to put out.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • See a doctor if your bumps do not improve with home care or if the itching is uncontrollable.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Major General Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces in Belarus, said in a statement on Telegram that Belarus had also destroyed wayward drones over its territory.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Romania, meanwhile, has tried to right the ship after several wayward years of mismanagement at the Romanian Film Center, and a pile of unpaid debts from its cash rebate program that the government is finally close to settling in full.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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