WILLFULNESS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

willfulness

noun

Definition of willfulness

as in stubbornness

a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion her unceasing willfulness eventually wore down her critics and opponents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rebellion

refusal to obey the trainer was able to correct our dog's willfulness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 willfulness 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 Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition. — Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026 The orphan’s predicament is as much a matter of willfulness as of survival—inseparable, as in the works of Charles Dickens, from a dream of being somehow rescued by the idea of an adult world. — Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 While this change reduces the explicit admission of willfulness, a narrative is still required. — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Christian Science doesn’t demand blind faith and willfulness but a willingness to surrender to this higher truth. — Matthew Schmidt, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for willfulness

Noun

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

Definition of stubbornness

Noun

To pair the piece with Celine’s more tailored pieces like the trousers and blouse added a tonal contrast that still executed on its luxury aesthetic, though with a touch of rebellion.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
These layered styles exuded rebellion and were made famous around the globe by figures like Joan Jett.

— María Diez, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

The widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenagers is fueling defiance and angering some parents and teachers.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
The plotters could not stop the news of Yeltsin’s defiance from spreading, and the coup collapsed within three days.

— Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of defiance

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

Whether writing five decades ago or today, the genre’s most insightful commentators have always observed how punk fuses rebelliousness with commodification, capitalism with resistance.

— Kyle Devine, Longreads, 14 July 2026
Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.

— Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Definition of rebelliousness

Noun

This requires yielding – surrendering self-will, fear, and human outlining – to the pure activity of Christ within consciousness.

— Larissa Snorek, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025
But also injuries and ailments at all the wrong times, as well as overt self-will at times.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2025

Definition of self-will

Noun

After federal prosecutors and defense attorneys had presented all their evidence Tuesday, Morrow’s attorneys asked Orso to dismiss the three petty charges accusing her of obstruction, disruption and disobedience.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Another child said he was forced to carry out artillery strikes and beaten for disobedience.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of disobedience

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“Willfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willfulness. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of willfulness

noun

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