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Synonym Chooser

How is the word obdurate different from other adjectives like it?

The words adamant and inflexible are common synonyms of obdurate. While all three words mean "unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose," obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.

obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

When can adamant be used instead of obdurate?

The words adamant and obdurate can be used in similar contexts, but adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.

adamant that the work should continue

Where would inflexible be a reasonable alternative to obdurate?

While the synonyms inflexible and obdurate are close in meaning, inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle.

inflexible in their demands

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 obdurate Ipswich proved obdurate and then generous opponents — Newcastle’s 78 per cent possession was the highest by any team in a Premier League match this season — and their relegation was confirmed by this 3-0 defeat. George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Whatever regime emerges could well be even more radical and obdurate. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 None of that has immunized the lowly smelt from its most obdurate enemy: partisan folly. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Nevertheless, Biden’s obdurate unwillingness to step aside for younger, more plausible Democratic candidates resulted in the reëmergence of his nemesis. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obdurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obdurate
Adjective
  • Zimmer also received an Emmy nod for her portrayal of ruthless executive Quinn King on Unreal (2015–2018).
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
  • And in short stories and doorstops, her attention is ruthless and unflinching.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Uninhibited by the European commitments of their rivals following last season’s dreary eighth-place finish, Massimiliano Allegri has wasted no time moulding the Rossoneri into a stubborn outfit that sit within two points of the summit after a 0-0 draw at Juventus before the international break.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That damaging psychic weight of insecurity and self-blame seeps into our society and politics, where polls show a stubborn and longtime trend of declining faith in a better future.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Chat members were merciless in their rhetoric against fellow Young Republicans in competing factions of the organization.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Next is 4-2 Mississippi State at home, the closest thing to a reprieve left on this merciless schedule.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Whoever wins or doesn’t win, Markman is adamant that trophies don’t define us.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Much to the dismay of Gen Z striving for success with a manageable work-life balance, CEOs are adamant that intense schedules are essential for anyone looking to make it in business.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Give her the chance to play pathos, and Squibb can crack your stony heart in half.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
  • According to the Earth Impact Effects Program calculator, developed by Imperial College in London, U.K., a stony asteroid the size of 2025 FA22 could cause a crater 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) wide.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Juan, his family, and supporters remain steadfast in their confidence in his innocence and his characters as a hardworking, law-abiding member of society.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • At an event held at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami, representatives from several universities and civic institutions praised Machado’s courage, nonviolent leadership and steadfast commitment to restoring democracy in her homeland.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Non-kinetic defenses (like jamming or hacking drones) don’t always work, especially against autonomous or hardened systems.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Sullivan, the drill instructor whose hardened exterior conceals his own private battles.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obdurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obdurate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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