SELF-WILLS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

self-will

noun

ˌself-ˈwil

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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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