Synonyms of stubborn

stubborn

adjective

ˈstə-bərn 

as in obstinate

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion

he's just being stubborn, refusing even to try the new toothpaste

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstinate
• adamant
• hardheaded
• headstrong
• steadfast
• intransigent
• hardened
• bullheaded
• obdurate
• willful
• opinionated
• mulish
• unbending
• implacable
• obsessive
• unyielding
• uncompromising
• inflexible
• pigheaded
• immovable
• unrelenting
• pertinacious
• dogged
• hard
• persistent
• pat
• adamantine
• determined
• ossified
• self-willed
• stiff-necked
• hard-nosed
• strict
• perverse
• relentless
• tenacious
• self-opinionated
• inconvincible
• defiant
• iron
• wayward
• rigid
• stern
• deaf to reason
• severe
• unflinching
• cantankerous
• resolved
• inexorable
• wrongheaded
• uncooperative
• recalcitrant
• hard-line
• narrow-minded
• hidebound
• intractable
• disobedient
• stouthearted
• single-minded
• unruly
• indomitable
• contumacious
• firm
• unmanageable
• anal-retentive
• insubordinate
• mutinous
• contrary
• bloody-minded
• refractory
• invincible
• unconquerable
• hard-shell
• inveterate
• ungovernable
• cussed
• hell-bent
• insurgent
• froward
• set
• unregenerate
• demanding
• confirmed
• exacting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flexible
• compliant
• pliable
• amenable
• agreeable
• obedient
• acquiescent
• docile
• pliant
• complying
• submissive
• tractable
• yielding
• willing
• receptive
• responsive
• accepting
• reasonable
• relenting
• manageable
• placable
• temperate
• persuadable
• subservient
• slavish
• governable

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stubborn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and pertinacious. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

When might dogged be a better fit than stubborn?

The meanings of dogged and stubborn largely overlap; however, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is it sensible to use mulish instead of stubborn?

Although the words mulish and stubborn have much in common, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can obstinate take the place of stubborn?

The synonyms obstinate and stubborn are sometimes interchangeable, but obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could pertinacious be used to replace stubborn?

While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stubborn

Yes, those troublesome splatter marks from salad dressings, pasta sauces, marinades and burgers are particularly stubborn. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Pinkjojo/Getty Images Gold's recent record-breaking price rally, fueled by central bank accumulation, dollar uncertainty and stubborn inflation, has made a full troy ounce of gold a serious financial commitment for most people. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

But there is also a stubborn insistence on normalcy. —Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

Use a degreaser and microfiber cloth to cut through stubborn grime on cabinets and countertops. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026