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Synonym Chooser

How is the word obstreperous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 obstreperous In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025 In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 Featuring bodies stacked like cords of wood and a bloated S.S. guard dangling from an iron hook, the spread was an obstreperous incursion among the kind of fashion and perfume ads that Miller had once shot or appeared in. Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2024 Rachelle and Matthew had told me that Zac had become obstreperous and even menacing toward them, but Howells mentioned several incidents of physical aggression. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
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
Adjective
  • Trump caused quite the stir ahead of his state visit, notably going head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was vocal in his disapproval of Trump’s impending arrival.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Since welcoming their children, both the rapper and the beauty mogul have been vocal about the positive impact parenthood has had on their lives.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.
    Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025
  • The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • America has tens of thousands of troops and a host of major bases in Europe, but President Donald Trump—a vociferous NATO skeptic—has demanded that alliance members commit to spending 5 percent of GDP on defense.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • Agility on this front might become the need of the hour because European buyers are likely to have a lower appetite for more long-term LNG contracts compared to their Asian counterparts due to a more vociferous socio-political stance on meeting their current net zero emissions targets.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, if the church becomes tainted with blatant partisan politics, the church will look like the world with polarizing division.
    Stephen Mitchell, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 2025
  • Prejudice has long disconnected Black and Latino communities — but the blatant dismissal of ICE raids as a Latino issue is off base.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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