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

Trying to duplicate the relationship between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President George W. Bush, May has triangulated, casting herself as a bridge between the headstrong Americans and a worried Europe. —David Goodart, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017

In that way, the expansion of Alex’s character by him being played by someone like Taylor, and in the same way, Henry being played by someone like Nick, added so much to my own experience of the story, which was really, really cool. Taylor, Alex is both headstrong and self-conscious. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024

The poster for the film shows its namesake with her dark hair tied back, standing in the doorway, peering out with a subtle, headstrong glance. —Holly Jones, Variety, 13 Aug. 2024

As tends to be the case in Miyazaki’s coming-of-age stories (always legible, never didactic), our heroine is rewarded for being headstrong and heartfelt — undeterred in her convictions, but generous with her goals. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024

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