HEADSTRONG Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'headstrong' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable , recalcitrant , refractory , ungovernable , unruly , and willful . While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion. // a headstrong young cavalry officer

Q: When can 'intractable' be used instead of 'headstrong'?

The words intractable and headstrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control. // intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

Q: When would 'recalcitrant' be a good substitute for 'headstrong'?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority. // acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

Q: When could 'refractory' be used to replace 'headstrong'?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong , refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold. // special schools for refractory children

Q: When might 'ungovernable' be a better fit than 'headstrong'?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, 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

Q: Where would 'unruly' be a reasonable alternative to 'headstrong'?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior. // unruly children

Q: In what contexts can 'willful' take the place of 'headstrong'?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way. // a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong

adjective

ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ

Definition of headstrong next

as in stubborn

given to resisting control or discipline by others a headstrong child who likes to test the limits of his parents' patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adamant

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the tenants of the building remain headstrong in their determination not to be evicted by the developer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headstrong differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of headstrong?

The words intractable and headstrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for headstrong?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When could refractory be used to replace headstrong?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When might ungovernable be a better fit than headstrong?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, 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

Where would unruly be a reasonable alternative to headstrong?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

In what contexts can willful take the place of headstrong?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of headstrong Air signs may relate to Elizabeth Halsey from Bad Teacher while Earth signs may relate more to the headstrong Princess Fiona from Shrek. —

Athena Sobhan, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Late last month, just inside the visitors’ locker room at Lumen Field, two brash, muscular, headstrong men wrapped up each other in the wake of the Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, provoking knowing smiles from witnesses conscious of their budding bromance. —

Michael Silver, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Rossellini has a history of playing headstrong characters. —

Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures. —

Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for headstrong

Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong

Adjective

America’s stubborn division was reflected at the nation on the largest stage possible.

— Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
The telescope now named for her will help unravel the stubborn mystery surrounding it.

— Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025