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
Relevance
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of headstrong
Zelensky is a proud and headstrong leader who also faces democratic pressures at home.
—
Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 2025
Even caring for Clover, the clairvoyant Megan (Ji-young Yoo), the lovestruck Max (Michael Cimino), the headstrong Nina (Odessa A’zion), and the arrogant Abe (Belmont Cameli, a total scene-stealer) will regret stopping to see this particular roadside attraction, several times over.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025
This classic Eastside story centers Ana García, a headstrong teen with educational aspirations, who is often at odds with her traditional, menopausal Mexican mother, Carmen.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Beyoncé's energy has always radiated the passionate, headstrong spirit of this Fire sign, whether in her performances or her fearless business ventures.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 2025
Even caring for Clover, the clairvoyant Megan (Ji-young Yoo), the lovestruck Max (Michael Cimino), the headstrong Nina (Odessa A’zion), and the arrogant Abe (Belmont Cameli, a total scene-stealer) will regret stopping to see this particular roadside attraction, several times over.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025
This classic Eastside story centers Ana García, a headstrong teen with educational aspirations, who is often at odds with her traditional, menopausal Mexican mother, Carmen.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Beyoncé's energy has always radiated the passionate, headstrong spirit of this Fire sign, whether in her performances or her fearless business ventures.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
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Of course, stubborn coach Tom Thibodeau went with his only play, a Jalen Brunson iso, while the starters huffed and puffed from playing nearly the entire game.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2025
-
United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Following Meghan's statements, Eldridge is adamant that her relatable role isn't convincing.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
29 May 2025
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In early previews and pre-release memos, the developers have been adamant that, despite targeting a more casual audience with some more forgiving elements, this is meant to be enjoyed by people who have spent hundreds of hours in the main game and its 2024 expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Many historians estimate that at least 15 to 20 percent of the population remained loyal to the crown, some even taking up arms against their rebellious neighbors and fighting alongside the British.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
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Inspired by 1953’s The Wild One starring Marlon Brando, the song and video captures the rebellious spirit of the cult classic, with scenes of a motorcycle being driven on an open road and birds in flight.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Grading for equity amounts to willful and moralized deception, including self-deception.—
The Editors,
National Review,
29 May 2025
-
Hur, who was respectful of the aging president, declined to prosecute Joe Biden for his willful retention of classified documents found in Biden’s non-secure home garage.—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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His uncontrollable emotions led to misbehavior at Liberty High School, and Charles was moved to the Department of Youth Services in a residential treatment program to correct his behavior.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2025
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Rap is banned in Iran due to its critical content, its uncontrollable means of distribution, and its direct opposition to the regime’s official values, including the rejection of religious and ideological themes.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Our walk was a saunter, a delightful, wayward, exploratory street haunting, to use Virginia Woolf’s term for the adventure and discovery of walking in the city.—
Sarah Beckwith,
New Yorker,
26 May 2025
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But in the 25th minute, the Blades went ahead when Gustavo Hamer poached the ball from a wayward Sunderland corner, scampered upfield and found Campbell who chipped the ball into the net.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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