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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool’s errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe.
    Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Martin had been a vocal opponent of prosecuting people charged in the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • Even before Indiana Landmarks became involved, Swihart said the community has been vocal for years about reusing the Roosevelt site.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Then, the detainees were executed, dressed in rebel uniforms, and reported as combat kills with many buried in anonymous graves in cemeteries.
    John Otis, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • Here romantic passion combines with revolution in a historical fiction sure to light up readers’ rebel hearts.
    Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • There has been a vociferous debate ever since about the rights and wrongs of the reaction.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • He was appointed to the College of Cardinals in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, who was a vociferous defender of mostly traditional Catholic doctrines.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Bowser’s shifting response on immigration matters is one of a number of ways the mayor, a leading figure in the Democratic resistance during Trump’s first term, is now striking a less defiant tone.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • Moxley took out Nightingale to massive heat, and Omega hit a snap-dragon suplex on a defiant Marina Shafir.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • From there, Springsteen shifted into blatant partisan talking points: There’s some very weird, strange, and dangerous sh*t going on out there right now.
    Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
  • The greenback has already slipped around 7% on the year, and although there doesn’t appear to be a blatant catalyst to drive it further lower — Jefferies Global head of FX Brad Bechtel predicts a major regime change ahead.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the stubborn media silence continued unabated.
    Nate Rogers, Vulture, 22 May 2025
  • United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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