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stubborn resistance
staunch resistance
determined resistance
hardheaded resistance
tenacious resistance
unyielding resistance
a stubborn streak
a defiant streak
a determined streak
a tenacious streak
an uncompromising streak
a rebellious streak
a stubborn child
a hardheaded child
a defiant child
a rebellious child
a headstrong child
an obdurate child
stubborn stains
tough stains
persistent stains
difficult stains
impossible stains

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

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 stubborn Engineers have figured out several methods over the years to scour out stubborn oil from nooks and crannies in the reservoir rock (think of a sponge but with much tighter pore spaces). Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The former Fox News host is hoping to harness angst over California’s stubborn problems – homelessness, the cost of living and housing – to convince voters to back a GOP candidate for the first time in 20 years. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Tobias versus Cheyenne is a very entertaining clash of two stubborn personalities, but that stubbornness comes from their commitment to the art. Oliver Sava, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025 Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn
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
  • The league is adamant that the managers and front-office execs were informed, that front offices were updated on the specifics of the umpires’ labor agreement in writing and that there was no intent to keep anyone in the dark.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Decade after decade, the city remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Among those who left in time, some remained steadfast in their lifelong friendships, as did their children.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has repeatedly voiced his frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of litigating the negotiations in the press and of being obstinate for drawing a red line by declaring Ukraine would not accept a deal that recognizes Russia’s occupation of Crimea.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Glide your steam mop across obstinate stains or spills and eradicate the mess along with the bacteria.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stubborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubborn. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stubborn

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