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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headstrong differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of headstrong?

The words intractable and headstrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for headstrong?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When could refractory be used to replace headstrong?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When might ungovernable be a better fit than headstrong?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

Where would unruly be a reasonable alternative to headstrong?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

In what contexts can willful take the place of headstrong?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

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 headstrong Mila is complicated and headstrong, sometimes even bitter, and Dodina does not try to soften her at all. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 27 May 2025 But Nina is headstrong enough to land the assignment she’s been pushing for, investigating Sax out of the Phoenix office. Judy Berman, Time, 12 May 2025 Toney’s comments speak volumes about Frank’s ability to build personal connections with headstrong and ambitious international players, which will be important in endearing himself to the group ahead of next season. Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2025 Bold, headstrong and ready to win every challenge, this Fire sign plays hard from Day 1. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
Adjective
  • Beneath its surface were deep, dark scars—grooves cut through the rock by old lava flows, now overgrown with stubborn green.
    Tess Moormans, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025
  • The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Since camp got underway, he's been adamant that winning games is far more important than his personal stats.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Liverpool communicated an interest in acquiring the Sweden international for around £120m, though Newcastle have been adamant for months that Isak is not for sale.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 July 2025
  • Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • That range depends heavily on whether the infringement is deemed willful.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 29 July 2025
  • The filing argued that the defense's choice of an inadequate extraction method, followed by the return of the phone to the driver, who continued to use it like normal, constituted willful destruction of evidence.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to the intense, sometimes uncontrollable itching, hives can also burn, sting and swell.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 23 July 2025
  • The model can be hard to scale or standardize, particularly for agencies with diverse service offerings, and there’s the risk that comes with uncontrollable external factors hindering outcomes.
    Jacquelyn LaMar Berney, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to the efforts of Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll course-correcting the wayward ship of Aston Martin Lagonda—nobody remembers the Lagonda part, not even AML—the brand's portfolio contains four core vehicles, with several derivatives like the Vantage S on their way.
    Alex Kalogiannis, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • For decades, Latino activists have strained to inspire gang members to join el movimiento — not as stormtroopers but as wayward youngsters and veteranos who can leave la vida loca behind if only they become enlightened.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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