OBSTINATE Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obstinate' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged , mulish , pertinacious , and stubborn . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'dogged' be used to replace 'obstinate'?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: When is 'mulish' a more appropriate choice than 'obstinate'?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: In what contexts can 'pertinacious' take the place of 'obstinate'?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Q: When would 'stubborn' be a good substitute for 'obstinate'?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

obstinate

adjective

ˈäb-stə-nət

Definition of obstinate

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

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How is the word obstinate distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged, mulish, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could dogged be used to replace obstinate?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is mulish a more appropriate choice than obstinate?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can pertinacious take the place of obstinate?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When would stubborn be a good substitute for obstinate?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 obstinate But amid an increasingly obstinate City Council, opponent Ald. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 As negotiations continued, government officials felt Amodei was proving far more obstinate than the CEOs of other leading labs. — Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026 Her husband, Charles (Christian Slater), is away on a months-long work trip, forcing her to deal with their obstinate landlord alone. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 Courtenay, as a caregiver with deeply sympathetic layers, exhibits frustration and compassion in equal measure, blending the obstinate protestations of a man in his twilight years with the lifelong tenderness and wisdom that often accompany them. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstinate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate

Adjective

United’s struggle to break down stubborn defensive sides is a problem that predates Carrick.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
This one features glycerin, stearic acid, and allantoin to help repair cracks and stubborn dry spots.

— Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Coach Ryan Day has been adamant most of his career that Ohio State will remain Ohio State no matter who is calling plays.

— Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Vendors say business will continue after Parlor The food tenants who have spoken out about the sudden closure have all been adamant that this isn’t where their businesses end.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of adamant

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“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of obstinate

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