obduracy

noun

ˈäb-də-rə-sē How to pronounce obduracy (audio)
Definition of obduracynext
as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the administrator was known for her unyielding obduracy even in the face of proof that she was wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 obduracy 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 In mid-March, Gotabaya Rajapaksa decided to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a reversal of course after his earlier obduracy against asking for help. — Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obduracy
  1. persistence
  2. intransigence
  3. obstinacy
  4. stubbornness
  5. persistency
  6. doggedness
  7. resolve
  8. willfulness
Noun
  • Have the confidence to walk away For founders, persistence is often celebrated, but knowing when to stop investing in a business can be just as important as having the conviction to start one.
    — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The persistence of these differences beyond the pandemic points to chronic disease, not Covid-19 alone, as a key component of the political mortality divide.
    — Brandon Yan, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of persistence
Noun
  • One reason for the Kremlin's intransigence is that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have a relatively greater impact than Ukraine's.
    — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The fact that so many diplomats before him have struggled is a testament not to the intransigence of international problems but to the mediocrity of his predecessors.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of intransigence
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
  • That stubbornness gave him the ability to articulate different sides toward a greater goal.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The reason behind this stubbornness is the carbon-fluorine bond.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of stubbornness
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
  • 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
  • Lakshmana’s resolve to follow Rama’s instructions is tested when Maricha, acting on Ravana’s orders, assumes the form of a golden deer and wanders within sight of Rama’s hermitage to catch Sita’s attention.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Because freedom of navigation was viewed as a fundamental principle of the global order, assembling large groups committed to upholding this pillar was intended to demonstrate international resolve and isolate the bad actor.
    — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of resolve
Noun
  • And from that boredom, a different kind of will, the willfulness that accompanies a need to destroy that happiness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of willfulness

Browse Nearby Words

obbligatos
obduracy
obdurate
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Cite this Entry

“Obduracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obduracy. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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