Stubborn synonyms encompass a variety of words that describe a person or thing that refuses to change, yield, or be easily influenced. When someone is stubborn, they hold onto their opinions or decisions with a strong and unyielding attitude, even in the face of challenges or opposing views. Synonyms like “obstinate,” “inflexible,” and “tenacious” capture this persistent and unwavering nature. These words highlight different aspects of stubbornness, from a fixed mindset to a determined persistence. Exploring these synonyms provides a nuanced understanding of the traits associated with being resolute, persistent, and unswerving in one’s stance.
Stubborn synonyms
Strong matches:
| obstinate | adamant | recalcitrant |
| inflexible | intractable | refractory |
| unyielding | ornery | firm |
| tenacious | persistent | pertinacious |
| dogged | perverse | iron-willed |
| resolute | relentless | uncompromising |
| determined | rigid | uncooperative |
| headstrong | single-minded | unaccommodating |
| digging in one’s heels | steadfast | unbending |
| sticking to one’s guns | tough | unmalleable |
| refusing to budge | unshakable | unadaptable |
| hard-headed | willful | rock-ribbed |
| standing one’s ground | stubborn as a mule | stiff-necked |
| not taking no for an answer | mulish | bolshie |
| locked in one’s ways | wilful | bloody-minded |
| set in one’s opinions | strong-willed | balky |
| resistant to change | self-willed | contumacious |
| having a fixed mindset | pig-headed | froward |
| adhering to one’s principles | bull-headed | indelible |
| immune to persuasion | obdurate | permanent |
| unwilling to compromise | awkward | lingering |
| persistently obstinate | difficult | fast |
| rigid in one’s views | contrary | resistant |
Weak matches:
| bullheaded | unrelenting | disobedient |
| cantankerous | hard | stouthearted |
| cussed | pat | unruly |
| fixed | adamantine | indomitable |
| hang-tough | ossified | anal-retentive |
| hardheaded | strict | mutinous |
| inexorable | hard-nosed | invincible |
| insubordinate | self-opinionated | unconquerable |
| opinionated | inconvincible | hard-shell |
| persevering | defiant | hard-shelled |
| pigheaded | iron | inveterate |
| rebellious | wayward | ungovernable |
| set in one’s ways | stern | hell-bent |
| unmanageable | deaf to reason | insurgent |
| unreasonable | severe | set |
| untoward | unflinching | unregenerate |
| hardened | resolved | demanding |
| intransigent | wrongheaded | confirmed |
| implacable | hard-line | exacting |
| obsessive | narrow-minded | rigorous |
| immovable | hidebound |
Stubborn antonyms
Strong matches:
| flexible | open to suggestions | soft |
| adaptable | easy to work with | submissive |
| open-minded | laid-back and adaptable | surrendering |
| pliant | quick to compromise | weak |
| compliant | readily changing one’s mind | willing |
| amenable | able to see different perspectives | agreeable |
| yielding | flexible and accommodating | obedient |
| acquiescent | not set in one’s ways | complying |
| malleable | willing to negotiate | tractable |
| docile | open to new ideas | receptive |
| easygoing | taking a collaborative approach | be as stubborn as a mule |
| complaisant | amicable and yielding | mulish |
| pliable | pliable in one’s opinions | headstrong |
| soft-hearted | irresolute | strong-willed |
| accommodating | kind | strong-minded |
| going with the flow | nice | dig your heels in |
| bending with the wind | reasonable |
Weak matches:
- broad-minded
- complacent
- giving
- responsive
- accepting
- relenting
- manageable
- placable
- temperate
- persuadable
- subservient
- slavish
- governable
Examples of stubborn in sentences
1. Despite his injury, Jack remained stubborn and insisted on finishing the marathon.
2. The old car was stubborn and wouldn’t start in the cold weather.
3. Jenny’s stubborn refusal to ask for help often led to unnecessary challenges.
4. The cat was stubborn about trying new food and would only eat its favorite brand.
5. Sarah’s stubborn commitment to her goals allowed her to overcome numerous obstacles.
6. The rusted bolt proved to be stubborn, requiring extra effort to loosen.
7. Tim’s stubborn insistence on doing things his way sometimes strained team cooperation.
8. The toddler displayed a stubborn determination to tie his shoelaces independently.
9. The stubborn stain on the carpet resisted all attempts at cleaning.
10. The tree’s stubborn roots made it difficult to transplant to a different location.
11. The crossword puzzle was a stubborn challenge, but she refused to give up until every clue was solved.
12. Despite the teacher’s explanations, the stubborn student insisted on solving the math problem his own way.
13. The weather forecast predicted rain, but the stubborn sun continued to shine brightly all day.
14. Sarah’s cat was so stubborn that it refused to use the new litter box she had bought.
15. The old door was stubborn and required a strong push to open, creaking loudly in protest.
Quotes examples:
“I don’t know how you persist in being so stubborn-” “It’s a superpower. I was bitten by a radioactive mule.” ― Shannon Hale [Goodreads]
“I’m not stubborn. My way is just better.” ― Maya Banks, Rush [Goodreads]
“The heart is stubborn. It holds onto love despite what sense and emotion tells it. And it is often, in the battle of those three, the most brilliant of all.” ― Alessandra Torre [Goodreads]
“There’s nothing more stubborn than a fact. That is why you hate them so much. They offend you.” ― Tom Rob Smith, Child 44 [Goodreads]
“You should know it yourself- a young man is still a boy, and a boy sometimes has the right to be stubborn.” ― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief [Goodreads]
Related words and phrases to ‘stubborn’
Related words and phrases to “stubborn” include:
1. Obstinate: Similar to stubborn, obstinate refers to a person who is unyielding in their opinions or actions. It implies a fixed determination not easily swayed.
- Example: Despite overwhelming evidence, the obstinate scientist refused to change his hypothesis.
2. Inflexible: This term describes someone or something that is resistant to change, often due to a rigid mindset or structure.
- Example: The manager’s inflexible approach to scheduling made it difficult for employees to request time off.
3. Tenacious: Tenacious individuals are persistent and determined, often holding onto goals or beliefs with a strong grip.
- Example: Despite facing setbacks, her tenacious attitude allowed her to achieve success in the long run.
4. Resolute: Resolute conveys a strong sense of determination and firmness in purpose.
- Example: In the face of criticism, she remained resolute in her decision to pursue her passion for art.
5. Headstrong: Refers to someone who is determined to have their own way, often regardless of advice or warnings.
- Example: The headstrong teenager insisted on taking risks despite her parents’ concerns.
6. Dogged: Describes someone who is persistent and tenacious in pursuing a goal, often in the face of challenges.
- Example: The detective showed dogged determination in solving the complex case.
7. Unyielding: Similar to stubborn, unyielding implies a firm and unwavering attitude.
- Example: The mountain climber faced an unyielding challenge but was determined to reach the summit.
8. Pigheaded: This informal term describes someone who is obstinate and stubborn, often to a fault.
- Example: His pigheaded refusal to consider alternative solutions led to unnecessary conflict.
9. Hardheaded: Describes someone who is practical and realistic but may be resistant to change.
- Example: The hardheaded businessman was skeptical about adopting new technologies in the company.
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