1
as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
her unrelenting hardheadedness didn't win many friends, but it helped her to get her way most of the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters
the hardheadedness of a bean counter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheadedness
Noun
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Today, those same companies pay Espinoza five-figure speaking fees to train and inspire their senior leaders — proof that persistence, when paired with purpose, creates its own path.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
26 July 2025 -
For disillusioned progressives feeling powerless to stop President Trump’s initiatives, La Follette’s career exemplifies the value of rejecting the siren song of frustration and complacency in favor of persistence in pursuing progressive ideals.—
Time,
Time,
16 July 2025
Noun
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Trump also hinted on Tuesday that Obama could be prosecuted after the latter’s administration reportedly ignored intelligence community assessments suggesting that Russia wasn’t directly meddling in the 2016 election.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
23 July 2025
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Within 3-6 years: Widespread artificial general intelligence (AGI) emerges, with machines rivaling our brightest minds across intellectual domains.—
Arafat Kabir,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Greater intelligence, wit, compassion, principles, and humanity enter our lives through book authors.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
27 July 2025
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For over three decades, Kym Whitley has moved through Hollywood with an unmistakable mix of warmth, wit, and work ethic.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
26 July 2025
Noun
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People listen more attentively to the vice president than the assistant, regardless of their wisdom.—
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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There are many great cocktail books out there, penned by incredibly talented bartenders who are more than willing to share their wisdom.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
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The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Given Putin’s intransigence, the U.S.-led peace process the Trump administration has attempted to spark hasn’t achieved anything other than several rounds of prisoner releases between Russia and Ukraine.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
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Ace Bailey’s landing spot in the NBA 2025 Draft has been the subject of great recent speculation because of his seeming intransigence during the pre-draft process.—
Jack Magruder,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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This seemed to me to stem not from carelessness or spite but obstinacy.—
erin Khuê Ninh
June 17,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2025
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Campbell’s thirst to learn protected him from obstinacy.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Related: ‘Neglected diseases’ are anything but neglected by the billion-plus people living with them One possible reason for this obduracy is that noma begins as a dental disease, and dental diseases have long been underappreciated global health concerns.—
John Button,
STAT,
16 Dec. 2023
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Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.—
Rory Smith,
New York Times,
6 Dec. 2022
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Cite this Entry
“Hardheadedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheadedness. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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