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 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 By the show’s end, Jamie has revealed himself to be a headstrong young man oscillating between a simmering rage and a craving to be liked. —Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025 Fickell knows the perception of Vrabel, the headstrong former linebacker who doesn’t take s— from anyone. —Chad Graff, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 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
  • Jet fuel rolled down the street and the smell of it lingered in the air while authorities worked to extinguish one stubborn car fire that sent smoke billowing up.
    — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • 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
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Following Meghan's statements, Eldridge is adamant that her relatable role isn't convincing.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • 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
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux.
    — Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey.
    — Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Baldwin feels that such a response in the face of violence has to be a posture, an outright lie or a willful evasiveness.
    — Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Reyes-Estrada was booked on suspicion of murder and willful harm and injury to a child likely to produce great bodily injury and is being held without bail, according to the news release.
    — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • Research shows that people under stress are more likely to give up, but only when the situation feels uncontrollable.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Entire neighborhoods are retrofitted with clear glass domes that activate during extreme rainstorms and uncontrollable wildfires.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • 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
  • Limit any pruning to removing dead wood or truly wayward branches.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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