STUBBORNNESS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

stubbornness

noun

Definition of stubbornness

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

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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 That stubbornness gave him the ability to articulate different sides toward a greater goal. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The reason behind this stubbornness is the carbon-fluorine bond. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 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 According to RadarOnline, William’s stubbornness has contributed to his strained relationship with Charles. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubbornness

Noun

Have the confidence to walk away For founders, persistence is often celebrated, but knowing when to stop investing in a business can be just as important as having the conviction to start one.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
The persistence of these differences beyond the pandemic points to chronic disease, not Covid-19 alone, as a key component of the political mortality divide.

— Brandon Yan, STAT, 3 Nov. 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

One reason for the Kremlin's intransigence is that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have a relatively greater impact than Ukraine's.

— Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
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

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

And from that boredom, a different kind of will, the willfulness that accompanies a need to destroy that happiness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of willfulness

Noun

Lakshmana’s resolve to follow Rama’s instructions is tested when Maricha, acting on Ravana’s orders, assumes the form of a golden deer and wanders within sight of Rama’s hermitage to catch Sita’s attention.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Because freedom of navigation was viewed as a fundamental principle of the global order, assembling large groups committed to upholding this pillar was intended to demonstrate international resolve and isolate the bad actor.

— Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of resolve

Browse Nearby Words

stubbornly

stubbornness

stubby

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“Stubbornness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubbornness. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stubbornness

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