stiff-necked

1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude he was too stiff-necked to admit that "underlings" might have useful ideas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 stiff-necked But some Jews stubbornly refused to assimilate and continued the sometimes strange and stiff-necked traditions of our people. TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-necked
Adjective
  • Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Mamdani has secured endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but lacks formal support from Hochul and two other prominent New York lawmakers, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • That would likely leave a 10% base tariff, as well as the auto, steel and aluminum tariffs in place until details of a formal trade agreement are ironed out.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 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
Adjective
  • Why Do People Use Skin Bleaching? Skin bleaching can be used to even out skin tone and correct areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 July 2025
  • Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
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
Adjective
  • During his outing, in which Strickland struck out one batter in a scoreless inning, the 36-year-old said the stiff sensation in his arm got worse, causing the IL stint.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • Tackling mountain roads was a real treat in this AMG; steering response and weight were solid, and while too stiff in its most hardcore setting, damping made the experience wonderfully engaging and confidence-inspiring.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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