stiff-necked

1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude he was too stiff-necked to admit that "underlings" might have useful ideas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 stiff-necked But some Jews stubbornly refused to assimilate and continued the sometimes strange and stiff-necked traditions of our people. TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-necked
Adjective
  • The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This feud carries on today, with Hogan having called out Hart for being too arrogant.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • All three ensembles diverged from the Vatican's traditional dress code, which prescribes a formal black suit, black tie, and a black lapel pin for male attendees at papal funerals.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, according to King Law Group, formal approval can only be granted through a physical notice mailed to the petitioner’s address.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Unclog a Drain Learning to unclog a stubborn toilet or slow-draining sink can save homeowners a lot of money and trouble.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • My life was just 93 more respondents away from being cosmically deemed correct!
    Jessie Rosen, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • The directionally correct, if poorly executed: DOGE, gang deportations, the ...
    NR Editors, National Review, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even as Bix seems to be an avatar for all the suffering and trauma the Star Wars galaxy has to offer, Arjona is adamant that her character is not a victim.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • Her sister is adamant that, for Jane, this was the only way.
    Kim Campbell, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • In contrast, Trump faces stiff opposition in liberal states.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Despite being high cut and stiff, Jackson’s combination of explosiveness and raw power will keep him in the league for a long time.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And when public figures die, the resulting rituals can sit awkwardly between a solemn, respectful wake and a chance to personally capture a moment in history.
    Issy Ronald and Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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