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 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 Two headstrong Koreans can’t agree on who’s treating who to dinner, causing their casual restaurant outing to spiral into a martial arts deathmatch. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Liza Colón-Zayas stars as Tina Marrero, a headstrong cook who has grown into a respected leader in the kitchen. Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 25 June 2025 After all, who could resist a Scottish adventure featuring a headstrong princess and a queen who transforms into a bear? Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • The Myth That Won’t Die: 'Nobody Scrolls' For years, there’s been this stubborn idea in web design that everything important has to be above the fold.
    Talie Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Detailing exactly how scientists made this new discovery, the study chronicles the case of a 34-year-old woman who arrived at the NIH Clinical Center with a stubborn skin tumor on her forehead.
    Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Yankees have been adamant that Fried’s blister has nothing to do with his struggles.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • However, Noem was adamant that the new black paint update is the deterrent the U.S. needs to secure the Mexican border.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The story follows Bárbara, rebellious and broke, who fakes her way into a convent for a private room and some peace—only to find herself on an unexpected spiritual journey.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The town’s rebellious spirit and dreamy beach backdrop attracted a who’s who in music, from Duke Ellington in the 1920s to Led Zeppelin, who skipped Woodstock in 1969 to play the Asbury Park Convention Hall.
    Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • He was deported in 2015, after serving a six-year state prison term for convictions of inflicting corporal punishment, child cruelty, willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Distinguishing between honest errors and willful misconduct is key.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing important happened, but something happened, sort of — something scary and uncontrollable.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
  • It's been 28 years since the rage virus — a virulent, bloodborne infection that sends its hosts into extreme, uncontrollable rage and states of undead decay — escaped a lab and decimated nearly all of the United Kingdom, now under rigid quarantine.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • For these folks, this week’s bizarre introduction to the business side of MLS and international football may feel like a wayward soccer ball to the chops.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
  • When Anisimova got to the ball on the deuce side, her forehand was wayward.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 28 Aug. 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!