1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
he was too stiff-necked to admit that "underlings" might have useful ideas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
her dinner parties are typically stiff-necked affairs, more to be endured than enjoyed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
obviously uninterested in hearing any excuses, the stiff-necked officer handed me my speeding ticket with a flourish
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stiff-necked
But some Jews stubbornly refused to assimilate and continued the sometimes strange and stiff-necked traditions of our people.
—
TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-necked
Adjective
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So this kind of parallel can easily be drawn between Iran and other countries, [including those with] an arrogant isolation program, definitely.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Mar. 2025
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One of the targets of his reign of terror is arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen, played by Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush admitted to the facility after being left partially paralyzed after a stroke.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The agency will now require requests for formal orders of investigation to be pitched to and approved by a vote of SEC commissioners, a change likely to slow down probes like the one that led to the SEC’s suit against Musk.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
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In addition to the formal head of the White House's Department of Government Efficiency team, Amy Gleason, several other members of DOGE are HHS employees.—
Alexander Tin,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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One daughter, loving but stubborn, leaves for Vilna to study nursing.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2025
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The true top is still stubborn, though: In 2023 women made up just over 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs, 9% of the FTSE CEOs, and 5.4% of CEOs of the S&P Global Broad Market Index.—
Kweilin Ellingrud,
TIME,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Margate man was driving a Ford Focus into oncoming traffic in the inside lane of North University Drive when his two left tires entered the center lane, colliding with the left side of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra that was traveling in the correct flow of traffic, according to FHP.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Mar. 2025
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The sharp got the opening Tuesday night game correct betting St. Francis (+6) to a closed line of +2.5 in their 2-point loss to Alabama State.—
Jay Ginsbach,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Theoretically, then, the pressure is off, but Howe is adamant this season cannot be allowed to peter out.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
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And while head coach Carlo Ancelotti was adamant that Alvarez kicked the ball twice, Simeone wasn’t having any of it after being shown a clip of it by Movistar prior to heading to his post-match press conference.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As The Athletic revealed, Chelsea faced stiff competition from Manchester United and a Premier League club currently in the top three for Quenda’s signature to highlight just two rivals for his signature.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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The low collections can be attributed to a stiff competition from Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Ruthe adds, would be a nice target.—
George Ramsay and Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2025
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The idea of painting a bird with such traditional meaning on a building set to house families who may be going through turbulent times is a nice message, signaling that calm waters are just ahead.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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From its origins as a solemn feast day to its transformation into a global celebration of Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day is a meaningful occasion for many.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
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Earlier this month, Francis participated virtually in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.—
Angela Yang,
NBC News,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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