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
Relevance
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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Growing power demand in China and the sheer size of the country’s market showcased what appeared to be countervailing trends — the persistence of coal, and the rise of renewables.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
5 Feb. 2026 -
Some educators worry the overuse and misuse of AI programs could decrease students' ability to think critically and independently or to have persistence when attempting to solve complex problems.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Israeli intelligence expert Sima Shein has warned that negotiations narrowly focused on nuclear restrictions could leave Israel exposed.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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The feed was sent directly to Russian intelligence.—
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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What was your personal experience with his stubbornness?—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
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The shadow is stubbornness or emotional defensiveness.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Still, don’t be afraid to let your quick wit make a complex topic simple.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Some voters may not respond to his charm and wit.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If affordability is today’s most pressing challenge, lawmakers must not confuse volume with wisdom, and instead confront the policies that continue to drive high costs and limit opportunity.—
Carol Platt Liebau,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
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Just as Clinton Edgar Woods saw the wisdom of combining the advantages of gasoline and electric power, so today’s hybrids could serve as a bridge while battery technology and charging infrastructure continue to mature.—
Bill Gourgey,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And Ten Hag’s training ground shrewdness was meant to correct that.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 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 tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
2 May 2023
Noun
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Meanwhile, social media use has steadily declined since time spent on the platforms peaked in 2022, according to an analysis of the online habits of 250,000 adults in more than 50 countries by the Financial Times and digital audience insights firm GWI.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2026
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This study also provides crucial insights for future climate models, especially in the context of current concerns over rising carbon dioxide levels.—
Ben Mather,
Space.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hardheadedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheadedness. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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