1
as in outspoken
engaging in or marked by loud and insistent cries especially of protest
an obstreperous crowd protesting the government's immigration policy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the club's president was at his wits' end with obstreperous members who refused to cooperate
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 obstreperous
In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them.
—
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers.
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
Featuring bodies stacked like cords of wood and a bloated S.S. guard dangling from an iron hook, the spread was an obstreperous incursion among the kind of fashion and perfume ads that Miller had once shot or appeared in.
—Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2024
Rachelle and Matthew had told me that Zac had become obstreperous and even menacing toward them, but Howells mentioned several incidents of physical aggression.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers.
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024
Featuring bodies stacked like cords of wood and a bloated S.S. guard dangling from an iron hook, the spread was an obstreperous incursion among the kind of fashion and perfume ads that Miller had once shot or appeared in.
—Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2024
Rachelle and Matthew had told me that Zac had become obstreperous and even menacing toward them, but Howells mentioned several incidents of physical aggression.
—Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
-
While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
5 July 2025
-
Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
-
The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Ward-Wallace’s are vocal figures in the battle for racial justice and recently filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department.—
Karla Marie Sanford,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
-
Mostly for the sheer audacity of his vocal prowess in a song about a woman's butt that dumps like a truck.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
-
The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
America has tens of thousands of troops and a host of major bases in Europe, but President Donald Trump—a vociferous NATO skeptic—has demanded that alliance members commit to spending 5 percent of GDP on defense.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
Essentially, their votes and their objections, no matter how vociferous or meritorious, did not matter.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.—
Philip Marcelo,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
-
Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor’s race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic.—
Philip Marcelo,
Fortune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
The second half, directed by Angela Barnes, is a messier melange, culminating in a blatant setup for Riri’s next appearance, whether in a Season 2 or some other property.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
25 June 2025
-
For a more blatant example of Williams’ dribbling prowess, however, below is one of his goals in a 7-1 win over Real Valladolid in February.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.—
Roger Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share