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
-
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In Akita, local authorities requested formal military assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, saying their existing measures – including box traps and bear repellent sprays – weren’t enough.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Being Running Fence’s associate project director was my first formal job in the arts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That individual brilliance which can produce a moment of magic to break open a stubborn defence is harder to come by.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Be sure to pay extra attention to stubborn stains.—
Jennifer Beck Goldblatt,
Architectural Digest,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And the second season is set to be based on the prequel novel, correct?—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Instead of automatically filling the detergent measuring cup to the brim and adding it to your load of laundry, consult our guide to using the correct dose of detergent every time.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The attorney general was adamant that if Running Fence broke the law, workers would be arrested and jailed, and contractors would lose their licenses.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Lownie is adamant that their friendship dates back to 1991.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But Kardashian’s performance, stiff and affectless without a single authentic note, is exactly what the writing, also stiff and affectless without a single authentic note, merits.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
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While the brand once stood almost alone in its category, Walsh will help to navigate the stiff competition from newer brands catering to Gen Z tastes.—
Vogue Business Team,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
As the conversation turned to Haliburton, Antetokounmpo challenged Turner to say three nice things about his former All-Star point guard.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Even the fact that Refiberd doesn’t need a lot of financing to keep itself afloat because of the nature of its technology is a nice bit of happenstance.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
With interest growing significantly in recent years, attendees are reminded that this is a solemn event.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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The elephants were more solemn and inward-looking than we are typically shown, the zebras startlingly intricate and finely drawn.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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