OBSTINATE Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obstinate' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged , mulish , pertinacious , and stubborn . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'dogged' be used to replace 'obstinate'?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: When is 'mulish' a more appropriate choice than 'obstinate'?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: In what contexts can 'pertinacious' take the place of 'obstinate'?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Q: When would 'stubborn' be a good substitute for 'obstinate'?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

obstinate

adjective

ˈäb-stə-nət

Definition of obstinate next

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

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How is the word obstinate distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged, mulish, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could dogged be used to replace obstinate?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is mulish a more appropriate choice than obstinate?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can pertinacious take the place of obstinate?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When would stubborn be a good substitute for obstinate?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 obstinate However, that good news comes after Johnson suffered political blows from an obstinate City Council opposition over the recent budget, on top of other losses for his progressive agenda. —

Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 Not when Jaclyn is obstinate and over it. —

Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026 These books can feel obstinate in their refusal of pleasure—an approach that does not seem to interest Berman in the slightest. —

Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 At this point, this is pure theater from Schumer, Jeffries, and the rest of the obstinate Democratic Party leaders. —

Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstinate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate

Adjective

Here are a few extra tips to get an even deeper clean on your window and door tracks, or how to tackle stubborn mold spots that won't go away.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026
From eliminating multi-hour furnace cycles in glass manufacturing to reengineering how poorly soluble drugs dissolve in the body, Leonard Siebert is applying materials science to two of engineering’s most stubborn bottlenecks.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026