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

When work crush Kalli (Louisa Krause) suddenly leaves town, Cass is placed in charge of her quiet but headstrong 11-year-old daughter, Ari (Ridley Asha Bateman). —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

Ackie is accustomed to playing headstrong characters yet this is her first time playing a security agent in space who happens to be Mickey’s lover. —Malik Peay, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025

Natasha seems headstrong and careless of her sister’s feelings. —April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025

Still the headstrong toddler wanted to see justice served, insisting that the police take his mom to jail. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headstrong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

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