INTRANSIGENCE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

intransigence

noun

in-ˈtran(t)-sə-jən(t)s

Definition of intransigence

as in persistence

a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion her intransigence on the issue was simply frustrating

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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 intransigence That show of intransigence seems designed to win the support of other hardliners in the government and prove his loyalty to the Castros. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 That the campaign has become a grind, with little entertainment on offer and an intransigence in the manager’s approach, has added to the sense of angst. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 Tehran matched American and Israeli rigidity with intransigence and strategic overreach of its own. — Mehrzad Boroujerdi, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026 Dunk’s intransigence can’t last, of course. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intransigence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intransigence

Noun

What changed her mind over the following years was his persistence.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
Millard was either won over by Makowsky’s passion or annoyed into agreement by his persistence.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

This may sound like optimism bordering on stubbornness, but there is logic behind it.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
This stubbornness could cost Republicans another seat, as the Cook Political Report has shifted the race to a toss-up over the scandal.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubbornness

Noun

Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.

— Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022

Definition of obduracy

Noun

Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
The natural obstinacy and rebelliousness of Israa’s teenage years are hyperaccelerated by culture clashes with both her family and the other kids around her.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026

Definition of obstinacy

Noun

The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.

— Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023

Definition of persistency

Noun

Despite his resolve to be gentler and kinder than Cotton, Hank still struggles to articulate his unconditional love to his son, Bobby.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12, the All Blacks' resolve hardened by new coach Dave Rennie and age-old ability to produce something from nothing turned a tense contest into a rout by five tries to South Africa's one.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

The Afghan Taliban and the Iraqi insurgency beat the United States through roadside bombs and sheer doggedness.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Her doggedness, maybe her righteousness too, a fierce myopic focus and will, and a crazy confidence that in the end, both have nothing to lose.

— Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 15 June 2026

Definition of doggedness

Noun

Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.

— Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026

Definition of willfulness

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intractable

intransigence

intransigent

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“Intransigence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intransigence. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of intransigence

noun

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