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
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
her dinner parties are typically stiff-necked affairs, more to be endured than enjoyed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
obviously uninterested in hearing any excuses, the stiff-necked officer handed me my speeding ticket with a flourish
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-necked
Adjective
-
And ironically, the most arrogant ones are the worst ones.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
But there’s a throughline in Smith’s most popular works — he’s been cast repeatedly as a villain, and usually an arrogant or smug one.—
Sophia Solano,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Krewes are also known for hosting formal and exclusive masquerade balls.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The hearing is expected to result in the formal exoneration of the four men, who were all in their mid-20s when they were arrested for the murders.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One person refuses to bow — not an army, not a revolution, one stubborn Jew minding his own business — and Haman cannot function.—
Rabbi Bruce D. Forman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Scrub gently with a soft sponge or brush, focusing on stubborn areas.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
McLaughlin did not respond to questions about which account was correct.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
McLaughlin did not respond to questions about which account was correct.—
Jim Mustian,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the heartbreaking details surrounding Dane’s death and his disease, Dempsey was adamant about remembering Dane before his ALS diagnosis.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2026
-
My dad was clear and adamant that his choice was to stay in Minneapolis.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Between stiff, too-tight pairs digging into my waist with every move and finicky zippers and buttons, finding a trusty pair of jeans can feel daunting.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Some suspensions are built for smooth comfort, while others may be a bit stiffer to prioritize handling.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Having a set time to do individual work has been nice.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
-
While more attacking and midfield options are always nice, Orlando’s real problem lies in replacing key defenders who departed in the offseason.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The holy month of Ramadan began today for Muslims, and Ash Wednesday marks the start of the solemn Christian season of Lent.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Later that day, Jackson stood once again on the Lorraine Motel balcony at the National Civil Rights Museum during its annual commemoration, sitting in the front row as nearly 500 people gathered for music, speeches and a solemn wreath‑laying ceremony honoring King’s life.—
Diana Leyva,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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