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
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
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
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Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.
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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.
Noun
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Archie’s stubbornness is a reflex to his worldview being attacked without first acknowledging his experience.
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There was also Tortorella’s stubbornness in sticking with goalie Carter Hart, who set the wrong type of records in the Stanley Cup Final.
Noun
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Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.
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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.
Noun
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In a business built on people, persistence, and long-term thinking, investors who adopt an entrepreneurial mindset can position themselves to uncover opportunities, create value, and build lasting success even in the most competitive markets.
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Mighty Mary is a rousing story of courage, teamwork and persistence, revealing how one bold act can ripple outward to shift culture, expand possibility and open doors for generations to come.
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.
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The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.
Noun
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Excellence in sport is merely a glimpse into the resolve, grit, and talent pervading communities across the continent.
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The stern warning underscores Tehran's resolve to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and to resist transits that bypass its authorization.
Noun
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China has gained, not suffered, from this obduracy.
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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.
Noun
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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.
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Instead, the courts are dealing with intransigence from the city.
Cite this Entry
“Self-will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-will. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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