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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 Advertisement 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 Up the long hill and around a bend that almost touches itself White Chimneys comes into view, as harsh and obdurate as ever. Annie Proulx, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024 Over the next several hundred million years, terrestrial plants of all kinds profoundly altered the planet, accelerating the water cycle, turning obdurate crust into supple soil—and pushing the level of atmospheric oxygen to new heights. Ferris Jabr, The Atlantic, 25 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for obdurate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obdurate
Adjective
  • Son Hee is one half of a ruthless twin assassin duo, working alongside his brother Bacho.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Her 6-0, 6-0 rout at the hands of a ruthless Iga Świątek was a reminder that no sport is more psychologically brutal than tennis.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond the numbers is the human toll of Trump’s merciless campaign.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • Private equity moving into professional sports conjures the same fears of merciless efficiency in an industry driven by sentimentality, but Arougheti brushes off the concerns, arguing that institutional capital will increase profitability and allow owners to invest more in their teams.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Bana is not as believable when asked to drop his stony demeanor and display vulnerability, a shortcoming that hampers his arc in the back half of the season.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2025
  • And most of those business people tend to have rather stony, cold, dead eyes.
    Andrew Tobias, Vulture, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its steadfast dedication to its classic roots, combined with a fearless spirit of innovation, results in pieces that never fail to amaze.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
  • But others in the political realm have been steadfast in their support of Gunn’s framing of the character.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obdurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obdurate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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