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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective willful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of willful are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, and unruly. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

When can headstrong be used instead of willful?

Although the words headstrong and willful have much in common, headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When would intractable be a good substitute for willful?

The words intractable and willful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When is recalcitrant a more appropriate choice than willful?

While in some cases nearly identical to willful, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

Where would refractory be a reasonable alternative to willful?

While the synonyms refractory and willful are close in meaning, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use ungovernable instead of willful?

The synonyms ungovernable and willful are sometimes interchangeable, but ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

When might unruly be a better fit than willful?

In some situations, the words unruly and willful are roughly equivalent. However, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

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 willful Part of this containment strategy is to stop Chinese company transshipments through Canada and Mexico from engaging in willful U.S. tariff evasion. Jason Schenker, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 Beyond market returns: Time and consistency are essential Given the willful chaos and uncertainty being generated by the Trump administration, there is no telling what the markets and the US economy will do in the foreseeable future. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 Carl Thomas, of Morrill, is facing charges including kidnapping, assault, child abuse, willful reckless driving and false imprisonment, the Garden County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025 Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session. NPR, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for willful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for willful
Adjective
  • Stefani’s style influences and stage presence have long catered to a rebellious punk-forward aesthetic.
    WWD Staff, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Still retaining the playful, rebellious connotations of the first M.A.D. Editions, the new M.A.D. 2 has another spirit. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Roberta Naas, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These fires and any new fires that ignite today can very quickly become uncontrollable.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a disorder where people have uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or repetitive behaviors, or both.
    Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This deliberate approach matters because many organizations struggle with performative values.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • There are also deliberate cuts that have been vowed at Columbia and UPenn, two universities that get federal funding and do health research.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.
    Kareem Khadder, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.
    Zachary Basu, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Duffy is hilariously literate, an opinionated fanboy ready to defend Nirvana against naysayers.
    Claude Peck, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Water signs may relate closely to wise and opinionated Owl while Earth signs may relate to the reserved and — sometimes gloomy — Eeyore.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • What follows is a twisted examination of motherhood and the arbitrary expectations of adulthood.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is less sound economic policymaking than the arbitrary dispersal of favors.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Willful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willful. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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