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

Darren then spiraled through history as the headstrong Dr. Tony Newman, an electronics genius, on the 1966-67 ABC adventure series The Time Tunnel, also starring Robert Colbert. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024

In this tasty sequel, a high-tech factory farm is built nearby, and Rocky and Ginger's headstrong daughter Molly (Bella Ramsey) is lured into the complex. —Danny Horn, EW.com, 20 July 2024

With Aries' impulsive, headstrong nature amplified by the supermoon, emotions are likely to be running high, sparking feelings of restlessness and perhaps even anxiety. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Alongside, Jackson was the headstrong Deadwyler who inhabited the role of the cognizantly protective mother and daughter, Berniece. —Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 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