SELF-WILL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

self-will

noun

ˌself-ˈwil

Definition of self-will

as in willfulness

a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion a schoolboy with a streak of self-will and rebellion

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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 self-will This requires yielding – surrendering self-will, fear, and human outlining – to the pure activity of Christ within consciousness. — Larissa Snorek, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025 But also injuries and ailments at all the wrong times, as well as overt self-will at times. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2025 So for those of us torn between watching the sun get blotted out and getting blotto keeping our attention on a particularly good rock show, this exercise in multi-tasking was a real contest of self-will. — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-will

Noun

Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
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

Definition of willfulness

Noun

This may sound like optimism bordering on stubbornness, but there is logic behind it.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
This stubbornness could cost Republicans another seat, as the Cook Political Report has shifted the race to a toss-up over the scandal.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubbornness

Noun

Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
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

Definition of obstinacy

Noun

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
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

Definition of persistency

Noun

The big story For Beijing, the artificial intelligence race is a story of resolve.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
That stint as a free agent, which finally ended when Wrexham, then of third-tier League One, came calling in late October 2024, was not the only time James has had to dig deep into his resolve.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.

— Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022

Definition of obduracy

Noun

Fatigue with the stagnation inherent in contemporary democratic institutions is among the key factors that make the promise to break through intransigence by autocratic leaders attractive to a plurality of voters.

— Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
Instead, the courts are dealing with intransigence from the city.

— The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 May 2026

Definition of intransigence

Browse Nearby Words

self-trust

self-will

self-willed

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“Self-will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-will. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-will

noun

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