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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 Robert is an accomplished but headstrong gastroenterologist whose demeanor makes Martin’s prickly bedside manner seem warm by comparison. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025 His evocation of the sights, sounds, and even smells of Victorian London was as gripping as his psychological portrait of the brilliant and bizarre Thomas de Quincey and his tender relationship with his headstrong and independent daughter Emily. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2025 The drama follows Veneno (played by non-pro Víctor Miguel), a headstrong young drifter who survives by seducing truck drivers at 24-hour roadside diners called cachimbas. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025 Monk is 27 years old and is under contract on a manageable deal through 2028 (the last year is a $21.6 million player option), so the fact that Sacramento is so headstrong on jettisoning Monk for a much older, declining player in Westbrook is strange. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • That tone—of pain, of surprise, of a stubborn refusal to be reduced or diminished—is everywhere in it.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If the stain is stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The attorney general was adamant that if Running Fence broke the law, workers would be arrested and jailed, and contractors would lose their licenses.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Lownie is adamant that their friendship dates back to 1991.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Silicon Valley definitely has so much of that rebellious spirit.
    Andre Byik, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • On Tracker, Ackles portrays Russell, Colter’s charismatic and rebellious older brother, who has a similar skill set and lack of stable home life.
    Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Medical University of South Carolina was declared responsible for Fulcher’s death in the lawsuit, citing gross negligence and willful in violation of their duties, according to the outlet.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Penalties can reach up to roughly $51,500 per violation, along with multiyear bans on new visa petitions for willful breaches, according to DOL enforcement guidelines.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsom said that by sending California Guard members to Oregon and Illinois the administration is essentially admitting that they are not needed in Los Angeles, where the immigration officials they were sent to protect have not faced violent or uncontrollable protests for months.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The cough grew violent, uncontrollable and exhausting.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Townes van Zandt, the wayward father of Americana, is a perfect Linklater subject.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • More than one person fell victim to wayward gourds that careened down Midland Road to the cheers and groans of an eager audience.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on headstrong

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