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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective willful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of willful are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, and unruly. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

When can headstrong be used instead of willful?

Although the words headstrong and willful have much in common, headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When would intractable be a good substitute for willful?

The words intractable and willful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When is recalcitrant a more appropriate choice than willful?

While in some cases nearly identical to willful, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

Where would refractory be a reasonable alternative to willful?

While the synonyms refractory and willful are close in meaning, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use ungovernable instead of willful?

The synonyms ungovernable and willful are sometimes interchangeable, but ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

When might unruly be a better fit than willful?

In some situations, the words unruly and willful are roughly equivalent. However, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

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 willful The father, Jake Haro, previously pleaded guilty to willful cruelty to a child following a 2018 arrest, KABC reported. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025 Jake Haro's history with law enforcement was also previously reported by The Orange County Register, noting that he had been convicted of felony willful child cruelty in June 2023. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 The funeral home is under investigation for willful dishonest conduct, negligence and fraud, among other charges, according to state documents. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2025 Any pretense of the pure or organic is undercut by a kind of willful alchemy; everything is an admixture. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willful
Adjective
  • Written by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes, the film follows a rebellious bad boy and a type-A overachiever who join forces to win the student body presidency – and maybe each other’s hearts along the way.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In business, as in life, there are times when conformity is an asset, but in others, embracing your individuality, inhabiting your rebellious spirit and being a true trailblazer are what lead to success.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond Venezuelan incompetence, American pressure and fears of uncontrollable escalation may be driving Chinese caution.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike the original Izo, Didi is described as an unpredictable and uncontrollable gang leader who has isolated others that are part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Understand who holds the greatest influence over promotion decisions in your organization and make a deliberate effort to be visible to them.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Acutis' canonization marks a deliberate Vatican effort to present contemporary, relatable holy figures who can speak to younger generations about faith lived in the digital age.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Of all the bad-hair-day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Spills can be blotted (never rubbed) with a dry cloth since the fabric is non-absorptive, and for more stubborn stains, dry cleaning is recommended.
    Zoë Sessums, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The trio – who had never appeared together in public before – formed the defiant face of an emerging bloc of illiberal leaders determined to push back against Western rules and tilt the global balance of power in their favor.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While Massie remains defiant, the episode highlights how Trump’s threats alone can destabilize even entrenched incumbents.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When opinionated classmate Arthur (Will Price) gripes about how inclusivity has bumped men like him out of the competitive academic ranks, Maggie is quick to clap back.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Guenther, a longtime fixture of Milwaukee's bar scene, was known for his gruff, obstinate and opinionated temperament.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If senior figures display rudeness or disrespect, employees may assume that such behavior is acceptable, making selective enforcement seem arbitrary and undermining of trust.
    Andrew Binns, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover, Burroughs further held that the administration’s actions were arbitrary and capricious, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
    Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willful. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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