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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 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 The patience that administrators initially displayed toward their most obstreperous students ran out when the antisocial campus bacchanalia, and their tolerance thereof, did reputational damage to their host institutions. Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Jan. 2024 The Sun has become increasingly obstreperous lately, and the results here on Earth have been nothing short of dazzling – but also disruptive. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • The outspoken mother, who has clashed with Rock in the past, quickly went on to reiterate her desire for Blueface to enter a relationship with rap star Megan Thee Stallion, a hope that she’s expressed on previous occasions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But several of the most outspoken opponents of the Senate resolution said they either weren't invited to the meeting or declined to attend.
    Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction.
    Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Wearing cowboy boots with shorts is not only a bold stylistic choice but also a practical way to dress for warm weather without giving up the rustic and rebellious touch that the boots bring.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 39-year-old attorney has been publicly vocal about his alignment with President Donald Trump's MAGA policies.
    Matt Finn, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the most vocal group leading an aggressive grassroots anti-tax campaign was a coalition of younger social justice activists led by Decarcerate KC called the Safety and Justice Alliance.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump’s military and intelligence leaders inadvertently shared classified military information on a Houthi rebel attack with a magazine editor which was published online.
    Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In the fresh extended footage shown, DiCaprio’s former yippie Bob is seen negotiating with a difficult underground rebel contact who knows the whereabouts of his daughter (played by Chase Infiniti).
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's what to know Despite the vociferous calls for accountability from Democratic lawmakers, the likelihood of real consequences for any of the Trump administration participants is small because Democrats would need Republican buy-in with GOP majorities in Congress.
    Averi Harper, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • How about the rest of us, with CEQA and CCA restricting the supply of new homes, making California homes unaffordable? Aren’t the Palisades largely populated by wealthy Hollywood Democratic donors, who are also vociferous environmental activists?
    Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know Trump has remained defiant despite mounting fears of recession and a plunging stock market.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One blatant obstacle: enterprise leaders are often cautious in welcoming technology.
    Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • What’s next: After the blatant inconsistencies in the Israeli account were revealed, the military seemed to move more quickly than usual to address the issue.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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