1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obstreperous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 obstreperous All at once, Vance had made an obstreperous return to the center of the national stage—and so did the memes. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025 In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025 In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The third book in the Luna Sisters series follows the journey to love for the youngest and most rebellious Luna sister, Gabriela.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (McGraw) is now 14, a rebellious teenager living under Gemma’s overprotective rules.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on the Vevo Studios stage, the boy band sensation get the chance to deliver a fully immersive vocal performance.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Puerto Rico native has been vocal about ICE over the past few months, sharing footage of an ICE arrest on social media in June that appeared to show agents detaining people in the street.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Offering a complete range of tailored clothing, leather jackets, footwear, and accessories, JV denotes the taste of high fashion with a rebel aesthetic.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The rebel run is the biggest of them all.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The latter funders reflect Berger's vociferous support for ideas aligned with the Christian Zionism movement.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Though perhaps not quite as vociferous as the French Open crowd, fans at the US Open have earned the grand slam a reputation as arguably the loudest tournament on the ATP and WTA Tours.
    Coy Wire, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But to Hollywood, Pusser’s defiant story was irresistible.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • A day earlier, at his pre-match news conference, Pochettino sounded defensive and defiant.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Other derision of Lilith Fair artists was more blatant.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But Moss was blatant — quite blatant — about owning a bad day, and went about his offseason with a purpose.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers were quick to point out the hilarity of the dog's stubborn protest, with many suggesting that the dachshund had already claimed permanent rights to the bed.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The stubborn myth that Jews are too safe to be targets is colliding with a painful new reality.
    Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstreperous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!