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 But Nina is headstrong enough to land the assignment she’s been pushing for, investigating Sax out of the Phoenix office. —Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025 Toney’s comments speak volumes about Frank’s ability to build personal connections with headstrong and ambitious international players, which will be important in endearing himself to the group ahead of next season. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2025 Bold, headstrong and ready to win every challenge, this Fire sign plays hard from Day 1. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 May 2025 Lori, impulsive and headstrong in her own way, won’t let Ruth slip away so easily. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 May 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
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Court records show Rahman pleaded guilty Jan. 17 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified national defense information.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement.
    — Lauren Harvey, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • Alone and shockingly baby-faced, Logan encounters a similarly wayward Rogue (Anna Paquin).
    — EW.com, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • His sprawling hands corralled loose balls and wayward shots with ease.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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