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stubbornness

noun

Definition of stubbornnessnext
as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion between my brother's stubbornness and my own, it's amazing when we come to an agreement about anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stubbornness The film’s cast is mostly made up of tribal non-actors, but Anghlong Konyak is its captivating center, as a man whose stubbornness against change sits alongside a lingering grief over his fading way of life. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Perhaps the stubbornness on both sides is why this rivalry thrives despite its nonconference status. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Once the aging parent’s worries are addressed, their initial stubbornness might disappear. — Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 The company also described Pete as a character whose grit and stubbornness align with Pittsburgh’s hard-working identity and the franchise’s reputation for physical football. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The calendar may say September, but just remember, a combination of stubbornness, denial, and determination can keep the summer feeling alive for yet a few more weeks. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 The determination – or stubbornness – to play through the blisters and sores is an example of what makes Scheffler such a great competitor and the mental strength required to be one of the best golfers in the world. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 According to RadarOnline, William’s stubbornness has contributed to his strained relationship with Charles. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026 This may sound like optimism bordering on stubbornness, but there is logic behind it. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubbornness
  1. persistence
  2. obstinacy
  3. persistency
  4. intransigence
  5. obduracy
  6. doggedness
  7. willfulness
  8. resolve
Noun
  • The persistence of torture was among the mission’s starkest findings.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The one notable concern is the persistence of long-term joblessness despite the strong headline numbers.
    — John W. Diamond, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of persistence
Noun
  • Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The natural obstinacy and rebelliousness of Israa’s teenage years are hyperaccelerated by culture clashes with both her family and the other kids around her.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of obstinacy
Noun
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.
    — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023
Definition of persistency
Noun
  • The fact that so many diplomats before him have struggled is a testament not to the intransigence of international problems but to the mediocrity of his predecessors.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Fatigue with the stagnation inherent in contemporary democratic institutions is among the key factors that make the promise to break through intransigence by autocratic leaders attractive to a plurality of voters.
    — Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
Definition of intransigence
Noun
  • Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.
    — Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
  • But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022
Definition of obduracy
Noun
  • The Afghan Taliban and the Iraqi insurgency beat the United States through roadside bombs and sheer doggedness.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Her doggedness, maybe her righteousness too, a fierce myopic focus and will, and a crazy confidence that in the end, both have nothing to lose.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Definition of doggedness
Noun
  • From grandmother to grandchild, these three sets of two sisters were powerful characters possessed with passion, willfulness, bravery, and devotion to each other.
    — Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of willfulness
Noun
  • Kotzmacher said the absence and dismissal of the issue only strengthened her resolve.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Regular exercisers tend to have lower baseline cortisol than sedentary individuals, and their post-workout spike resolves faster and more completely, according to research.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of resolve

Browse Nearby Words

stubbornly
stubbornness
stubby
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Cite this Entry

“Stubbornness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubbornness. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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