headstrong

adjective

head·​strong ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily restrained : impatient of control, advice, or suggestions

a headstrong businessman

2

: directed by ungovernable will

violent headstrong actions

Synonyms

• froward
• incontrollable
• intractable
• recalcitrant
• refractory
• uncontrollable
• ungovernable
• unmanageable
• unruly
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for headstrong

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

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

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of headstrong in a Sentence

The child is very headstrong.

He is known for his headstrong behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kyle Shanahan, although perfectly capable of tweaking the offense to mask Rodgers’ deficiencies, also might wind up clashing with the headstrong quarterback. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Sharing the clip on Instagram on Thursday, Feb. 13, Witherspoon, who originated the role of the headstrong Harvard Law Student in the 2001 film Legally Blonde, greeted Minetree, 24, who was appropriately clad in a bright pink blouse and pink heels for the moment. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

Y’all please pray this headstrong baby waits a little longer to arrive. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025

First, Butler and Riley, who joined the franchise in 1995, have headstrong personalities. —James Jackson, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headstrong

adjective

head·​strong -ˌstrȯŋ 

1

: not easily controlled : wanting one's own way

a headstrong child

2

: directed by uncontrollable will

violent headstrong actions