1
as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
her unrelenting hardheadedness didn't win many friends, but it helped her to get her way most of the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
the hardheadedness of a bean counter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheadedness
Noun
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However, persistence becomes problematic when PFAS leach or evaporate out of products and into the surrounding environment.—
Carrie McDonough,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026 -
The movie is more than a celebration of persistence in the face of rejection, of faith in oneself, or of the power of love.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The tunnel was discovered through intelligence work conducted by agents with the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency in coordination with Mexico's Security Cabinet.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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Pulte will remain as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and FHFA director in addition to acting as national intelligence director.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
2 June 2026
Noun
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In the following game against Leeds United, where West Ham lost 2-1, Nuno showed stubbornness in sticking with the same personnel.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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Golf is a merciless sport, requiring a goldfish’s memory and a bull’s stubbornness.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Without getting into spoilers, her one-and-done appearance in Episode 5 presents the perfect opportunity for the more-than-capable Meester to match wits with Bell’s judgmental Joanna, only to strand the actor with boring, obvious jokes and saddle her with a feeble resolution.—
Hugh Hart,
IndieWire,
23 May 2026
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Collet-Serra directed and executive produced the film that focused on Egerton as an inexperienced TSA agent who ends up in a battle of wits with a mysterious traveler (Bateman) after the stranger blackmails him into allowing a dangerous package onto a flight on Christmas Eve.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
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Research by Gao, Niu, and Yu published in Frontiers in Psychology found that intellectual humility in leadership cultivates team environments rooted in trust and collaboration, where leaders lean on collective wisdom rather than individual authority.—
Mary Hemphill,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
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Venusian shrewdness and Mercurian intelligence are coming together to boost your analytical powers — at least, in regard to your own finances.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
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The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
2 May 2023
Noun
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Breslow offered some insight into that deal and his process with trades more generally.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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The qualitative research conducted reveals emerging insights about the gap between dominant narratives and the stories Black women want and need to see.—
Dominique Fluker,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hardheadedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheadedness. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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