headstrong

adjective

ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ How to pronounce headstrong (audio)
Definition of headstrongnext
1
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others a headstrong child who likes to test the limits of his parents' patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adamant
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the tenants of the building remain headstrong in their determination not to be evicted by the developer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headstrong differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of headstrong?

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

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for headstrong?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When could refractory be used to replace headstrong?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When might ungovernable be a better fit than headstrong?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, 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

Where would unruly be a reasonable alternative to headstrong?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

In what contexts can willful take the place of headstrong?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

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 headstrong Rossellini has a history of playing headstrong characters. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 But his headstrong sister (Danielle Deadwyler) refuses to part with it. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 The headstrong 11-year-old who was sent by mistake to live on a farm is one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024 The headstrong 11-year-old is one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
  1. stubborn
  2. adamant
  3. rebellious
  4. willful
  5. uncontrollable
  6. wayward
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.
    — Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
    — Joanne Fowler, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.
    — Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • But this season, showrunner Mike White pinpoints the willful decadence of the Western world, primarily through Yankees: the husband, wife, and 2.5 children of the Ratliff family, three freewheeling feminist matrons, plus a shady white bachelor and a single black mother.
    — Armond White, National Review, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Plaintiffs also can seek punitive damages if malice, fraud, knowledge or willful avoidance can be proven.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • By systematically reviewing and understanding the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, informed decisions that align with financial goals can be made, setting the stage for the future.
    — Ira Walker, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • After a wayward drive, Morikawa had to punch out from the pine straw.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Her mother’s pullets were raised clean on a green yard, on a menu of crushed corn and wayward bugs, not manufactured in the crowd and reek of a modern-day factory farm, fattened on fish meal.
    — Rick Bragg, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of wayward

Browse Nearby Words

headstreams
headstrong
heads-up
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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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