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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstreperous
All at once, Vance had made an obstreperous return to the center of the national stage—and so did the memes.
—
Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
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The Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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In the September 1967 school board election, voters replaced two incumbent members with candidates who were outspoken opponents of the Oregon Plan.—
Time,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Written by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes, the film follows a rebellious bad boy and a type-A overachiever who join forces to win the student body presidency – and maybe each other’s hearts along the way.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 Sep. 2025
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In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success.—
Paul Fitzgerald,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The decision also underscores the risks of vocal injury for artists performing demanding live shows night after night, a reality discussed in coverage of other recent touring cancellations.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Vergara was just as enamored of her vocal Tuesday.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The rebel run is the biggest of them all.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Humanitarian organizations estimate over 13 million people have been displaced by the fighting between the government’s military forces and the rebel RSF fighters, with famine and disease a by-product of the struggle for power.—
Rory Fleming,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The latter funders reflect Berger's vociferous support for ideas aligned with the Christian Zionism movement.—
Liam Adams,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Though perhaps not quite as vociferous as the French Open crowd, fans at the US Open have earned the grand slam a reputation as arguably the loudest tournament on the ATP and WTA Tours.—
Coy Wire,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The trio – who had never appeared together in public before – formed the defiant face of an emerging bloc of illiberal leaders determined to push back against Western rules and tilt the global balance of power in their favor.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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While Massie remains defiant, the episode highlights how Trump’s threats alone can destabilize even entrenched incumbents.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Organizers have labelled the move a blatant act of erasure that distorts history — a stark contrast to the joy and visibility celebrated at the cookout.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Sep. 2025
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Many would support the university taking a firm stance against the White House, given the government’s blatant overreach into their rights protected by the Constitution.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Of all the bad-hair-day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
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Spills can be blotted (never rubbed) with a dry cloth since the fabric is non-absorptive, and for more stubborn stains, dry cleaning is recommended.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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