as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
regardless of the issue, she holds onto her position with an obstinateness that would exhaust the patience of a saint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinateness
Noun
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Personality traits such as mental toughness, discipline, high pain tolerance and persistence may also lead to worsened eating disorder risk and behaviors in athletes.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026 -
It’s widely understood that to shop secondhand is to enter into a treasure hunt, where messiness is permitted and persistence is rewarded with bargains and unique items.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the weeks since the arson attack, Beth Israel has been supported by neighbors and people of different backgrounds and beliefs who have stood together with compassion and resolve.—
Lindsay Baach Friedmann,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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Then, came the party meeting where Starmer impressed many with his sense of resolve.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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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
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The White House does not seem to have a workaround to Putin’s obstinacy, and Rubio told Hannity that all other parties seeking to end the conflict are hopeless.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Women in hijabs pushing strollers through snowbanks reminded me of the strength and stubbornness of the women who raised me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
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Like, does stubbornness at all play a role in, interpersonal relationships?—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Final layoff determinations would not occur until May or June, after hearings and further review of attrition and revenues.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The pitchers on which the Padres will likely base such a determination are Michael King, who pitched just 73⅓ innings in 15 starts last season due to a nerve impingement near his throwing shoulder and knee inflammation, and Joe Musgrove, who did not pitch in ‘25 after Tommy John surgery.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Their intransigence has proved unpopular.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
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In adulthood, Bill was admired for his decision-making and diplomacy, but Ben was feared for his aggression and intransigence.—
Thomas Morgan,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.—
Brad Shoup,
Pitchfork,
24 Jan. 2026
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The orphan’s predicament is as much a matter of willfulness as of survival—inseparable, as in the works of Charles Dickens, from a dream of being somehow rescued by the idea of an adult world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Obstinateness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinateness. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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