Definition of obstreperousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word obstreperous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Bush, an outspoken critic of Israel, launched a primary challenge last fall for what’s now the sole remaining safe blue seat in Missouri after Republicans redrew the map.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
  • The representative earned applause from those in attendance after one attendee praised Matsui’s outspoken support of the Afghan community, especially after federal immigration agents reportedly detained multiple Afghans living in the Sacramento area late last year.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • To promote the new launch, the duo teamed up on a campaign captured on the streets of Paris by photographer Daniel Roché, with the aim of creating a series of images that reflects the fusion of youth culture and a cool, rebellious edge, Asics said.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 June 2026
  • The last of the rebellious slaveholding states was finally under federal control.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The screams, contortions and vocal shifts were made without CGI or artificial intelligence, and that detail is its own form of campaign currency in an era when audiences and voters alike are increasingly skeptical of digital enhancement.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a sport long defined by its rigidity and rigorous training, Liu, 20, is a rebel and role model for simply loving to skate.
    Alice Park, Time, 9 June 2026
  • De la Espriella has promised to cancel the talks and take a more confrontational approach to rebel groups that includes using airplanes to spray coca fields with herbicides.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hilton on Tuesday addressed the president’s unfounded but vociferous claims that Democrats have massively cheated in our recent election.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Mentions of the San Antonio Spurs also elicited vociferous boos.
    Stephen Whyno, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • As for his own future, Lapid remains defiant, even as sources of financing and festival platforms risk becoming scarcer.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • This is a book about hope — the stubborn, defiant belief that even after life breaks us open, light can still pour through the cracks.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Refs opted to disregard the blatant flagrant foul and the usually stoic Brunson erupted, chasing after the officials before turning on his heel in a fury and returning to the bench.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Nonetheless, the painting doesn’t have any blatant Nazi references.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • But La Roja could not find a way past Vozinha and a stubborn defense that had an answer to everything Spain’s superstars threw at them.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Hanks invests the vulnerable but stubborn Woody with a delectable senior resilience.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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