SELF-WILLS 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

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

On Wednesday night, Budapest recorded its warmest overnight temperature on record, with temperatures falling only to 28 C (82 F), underscoring the persistence of the extreme heat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
This quiet midseason retirement, following his last game on July 25, highlights the often-unheralded end to dedicated minor league careers, even for those showing persistence and loyalty to a single franchise.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of persistence

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

Iran’s leaders project resolve while internal rifts deepen over whether to negotiate with Washington.

— Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
This moment has strengthened policymakers’ resolve in the European Union, where an airline SAF mandate has faced pushback from industry since it was signed into law in 2023.

— Justin Worland, Time, 31 July 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

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self-trust

self-will

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“Self-will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-will. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-will

noun

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