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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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 In Kyiv, Orbán’s intransigence had scuttled various European initiatives to aid Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government in the country’s with Russia. — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 23 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for intransigence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intransigence

Noun

According to the trade counsel, the recent tit-for-tat trade actions undertaken by both Washington and Ottowa have served to illuminate the persistence of a trend that stands to continue over the coming months.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Maines’ technical skill along with his persistence and curiosity helped produce journalism with far-reaching consequences.

— Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

The film’s cast is mostly made up of tribal non-actors, but Anghlong Konyak is its captivating center, as a man whose stubbornness against change sits alongside a lingering grief over his fading way of life.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Perhaps the stubbornness on both sides is why this rivalry thrives despite its nonconference status.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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

Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russian oil facilities and logistics hubs in recent months, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Russia and test Putin's resolve to continue the conflict.

— Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
The blasts just across the Danube are a reminder of how close war is to NATO territory — at a time many fear Russian President Vladimir Putin might want to test the alliance’s resolve.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 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

From grandmother to grandchild, these three sets of two sisters were powerful characters possessed with passion, willfulness, bravery, and devotion to each other.

— Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
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

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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of intransigence

noun

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