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
Relevance
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
-
A lot of people who are that level of arrogant, there’s also an immense insecurity, right?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The boy is arrogant, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The entertainment rooms can serve as places to enjoy cocktails and billiards (both villas feature Steinway & Sons grand pianos), the dining rooms feel cinematic without being too formal, and the bedroom suites favor comfort rather than flashiness.—
David Morris,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
City leaders say the rules are needed because Rocklin currently has no formal regulations in place to monitor or enforce mobile vending activity.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
With the pick, everyone but Thicke now has a correct guess to their name — Jeong correctly guessed David Ortiz was Googly Eyes in the premiere, McCarthy-Wahlberg nabbed the Croissants, and Ora called out her longtime pal, Haddish.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
-
While the garment is submerged—silk fibers aren’t as strong or tight when wet—gently stretch it back to the correct size.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stephen Miller made these comments on CNN and was adamant that this would happen.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Although the film would have been far easier to finance if the production took place in another country, Hadi was adamant about shooting in his homeland.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pinto got the extension, but was left off the Olympic roster amidst stiff competition for centre roles.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The president’s bows were aloof and stiff.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Mission Trails is a great place to go for a nice little hike or a beautiful little walk.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Kitchen Lux Ribbed Drinking Glasses, Set of 6 These ribbed glasses are made to handle daily use while still looking nice enough to set out when guests come over.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
More than five hours after the crash, there was a solemn procession off of Route 146 led by Massachusetts State Police, followed by the medical examiner and fellow police officers.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
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That this is a serious matter—not slight at all—does not oblige the author of a seriously funny book to be solemn.—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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