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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of self-will
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
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
-
The collapse of 2023 was partly rooted in offensive obstinacy, stagnation and decline.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
-
This seemed to me to stem not from carelessness or spite but obstinacy.—
erin Khuê Ninh
June 17,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Each is still operational and highlights the persistence of spaceflight to withstand political volatility, but new Earth science projects could be vulnerable.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
While recent declines in overall crime are encouraging, the persistence of high carjacking levels and a violent crime rate exceeding that of every state and many cities show that more can be done to make D.C. safer.—
John R. Lott Jr,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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 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
Noun
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Newcastle’s stance has hitherto been that the Sweden international is not for sale, but their resolve is being tested.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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In the meantime, the push back has only strengthened the film team’s resolve to get the film seen, with the producers opting for a direct-to-audience strategy.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Related: ‘Neglected diseases’ are anything but neglected by the billion-plus people living with them One possible reason for this obduracy is that noma begins as a dental disease, and dental diseases have long been underappreciated global health concerns.—
John Button,
STAT,
16 Dec. 2023
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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
Noun
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The indirect talks over a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire are being held in Doha, but optimism that surfaced last week of a looming deal has largely faded, with both sides accusing each other of intransigence.—
Crispian Balmer,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
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Meanwhile, the nationalist coalition fell apart under the twin hammers of economic disaster and Mosaddeq’s intransigence.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Russia's icebreaker fleet far outstrips that of any other military, an example of the country's determination to dominate the region.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
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Gene has gone on to reference this moment from her first date as a symbol of Jerry’s determination.—
Avalon Hester,
People.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-will. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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