STUBBORN Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stubborn

adjective

ˈstə-bərn

Definition of stubborn next

as in adamant

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion he's just being stubborn, refusing even to try the new toothpaste

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

intractable 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 Removing stubborn stains like adhesive residue takes persistence, especially if the remnant is aged. —

Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025 Clean with hydrogen peroxide: Yet another pantry staple, hydrogen peroxide will go toe to toe with even the most stubborn pet stains. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025 Gain Rinse & Renew Rinse out stubborn odors and smell fresh with Gain Rinse and Renew Fabric Rinse. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 The stubborn machine has won, and politicians are, for the most part, just fodder, which means that every politician who has to stand in front of a camera after a tragedy turns into another battle site in an endless culture war. —

Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stubborn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn

Adjective

Such a lineup is unknown territory for the festival, but Blanc was adamant not to deviate from the carte blanche principle for selections.

— Lily Templeton, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Rocky has been adamant in declaring his innocence, refusing what many considered a decent plea deal before the trial got underway.

— Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025