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stubborn resistance
staunch resistance
determined resistance
hardheaded resistance
tenacious resistance
unyielding resistance
a stubborn streak
a defiant streak
a determined streak
a tenacious streak
an uncompromising streak
a rebellious streak
a stubborn child
a hardheaded child
a defiant child
a rebellious child
a headstrong child
an obdurate child
stubborn stains
tough stains
persistent stains
difficult stains
impossible stains

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stubborn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and pertinacious. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

When might dogged be a better fit than stubborn?

The meanings of dogged and stubborn largely overlap; however, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is it sensible to use mulish instead of stubborn?

Although the words mulish and stubborn have much in common, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can obstinate take the place of stubborn?

The synonyms obstinate and stubborn are sometimes interchangeable, but obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could pertinacious be used to replace stubborn?

While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

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 stubborn Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, said on Thursday that strong holiday sales propelled its revenue to another annual record but flagged slower growth ahead, as shoppers face stubborn inflation, the uncertain impact of tariffs and a potential rise in unemployment. Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Like a heavyweight boxer who refuses to fall to the canvas, Real Madrid have been one of the most stubborn teams in Europe under their Italian manager. Mark Carey, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 Still, amid stubborn inflation and persistent elevated costs for everyday items, some retirees may feel that the increase is not enough. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025 America’s stubborn division was reflected at the nation on the largest stage possible. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn
Adjective
  • Hamilton was adamant Ferrari had all the ingredients to win the world championship for the first time since 2008.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • But both brown and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – a marine biologist and policy expert – are adamant that modeling climate activism in popular culture need not be all about just ringing warning bells.
    Dan Heching, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As Shared Economy Services continues to attract extraordinary talent & experience and increases its momentum, Bobby retains his passion and remains steadfast in his vision.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In the meantime, colleges should remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equity, and the rule of law—principles that have long guided American higher education.
    Scott White, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.
    Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
  • The Founding generation also worried that older men were more inflexible, obstinate, uninterested in change, and stuck in their ways—all leadership qualities at odds with the experimentation needed for representative government.
    Rebecca Brannon / Made by History, TIME, 3 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Stubborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubborn. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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