as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a self-willed toddler who refused to take her shoes off in the examining room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-willed
Adjective
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Researchers have been looking into ways to reduce the stubborn inflammation HIV causes in the central nervous system.—
Smita S. Iyer,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026 -
The findings, published in 2025 in Brain Stimulation, point to a fundamentally new way of treating one of the most stubborn psychiatric conditions, using a miniaturized implant that delivers brief bursts of stimulation only during key moments of exposure therapy.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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Regardless, Stanton is adamant that there is no hypothetical future in which raccoons could realistically become good house pets.—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
10 June 2026
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Alonso was adamant that the school board should seek opportunities to either repurpose or lease properties that schools vacate, not sell them.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Self-willed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-willed. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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