as in willfulness
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a schoolboy with a streak of self-will and rebellion
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Recent Examples of self-will
So for those of us torn between watching the sun get blotted out and getting blotto keeping our attention on a particularly good rock show, this exercise in multi-tasking was a real contest of self-will.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-will
Noun
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Yet, over time, Bashar Assad inherited his father’s obstinacy and brutality and increasingly relied on the security apparatus to maintain control, stifling dissent and curbing opposition.—
Sefa Secen / Made by History,
TIME,
17 Dec. 2024
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That is the popular girl’s cross to bear, and the desperate obstinacy that comes with this realization is one of Cody’s main themes.—
Rafaela Bassili,
The Atlantic,
18 Sep. 2024
Noun
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For the second straight season, Mahomes has done so largely due to his persistence, problem-solving ability and willingness to adjust his playing style to any game’s specific circumstances.—
Nate Taylor,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
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The persistence of market failure and agency expertise narratives, despite political failures and bureaucratic ineptitude being the true obstacles.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr.,
Forbes,
12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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Dan recalled of his daughter’s persistency.—
Eric Sondheimer Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Dec. 2020
Noun
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Without treatment, most cases of diarrhea related to alcohol use resolve in one to three days.—
Jay N. Yepuri,
Verywell Health,
23 Jan. 2025
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While the recovery process hasn't been easy, Austin's resolve is as strong as ever.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Related: ‘Neglected diseases’ are anything but neglected by the billion-plus people living with them One possible reason for this obduracy is that noma begins as a dental disease, and dental diseases have long been underappreciated global health concerns.—
John Button,
STAT,
16 Dec. 2023
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Andreas blames the obduracy of U.S. politicians and bureaucrats for the persistence of the drug wars, despite their evident failure and their huge financial and human costs.—
Russell Crandall,
Foreign Affairs,
20 Apr. 2021
Noun
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Many agencies’ missions are associated with liberal or progressive causes, and conservatives who favor small government or deregulation have historically expressed frustration about the intransigence or even existence of the federal bureaucracy.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
The New Yorker,
16 Jan. 2025
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That bonus pool is growing to almost $3million (£2.4m) from just over $1m. Add it all up and there is no shortage of intransigence and little room for optimism.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
2 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These systems are considered substantial factors in making determinations that affect access to critical opportunities like employment, healthcare, or financial services.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
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The video, filmed in Nashville, Tennessee, reveals a heartwarming display of feline determination and charm.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-will
Cite this Entry
“Self-will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-will. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
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