headstrong

adjective

ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ How to pronounce headstrong (audio)
Definition of headstrongnext
1
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others a headstrong child who likes to test the limits of his parents' patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adamant
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the tenants of the building remain headstrong in their determination not to be evicted by the developer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Rossellini has a history of playing headstrong characters. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 But his headstrong sister (Danielle Deadwyler) refuses to part with it. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 The headstrong 11-year-old who was sent by mistake to live on a farm is one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024 The headstrong 11-year-old is one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
  1. stubborn
  2. adamant
  3. rebellious
  4. willful
  5. uncontrollable
  6. wayward
Adjective
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.
    — Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.
    — Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Court records also show Mabry, of Oakland, has two prior felony convictions: second-degree robbery in February 2013 and evading an officer with willful disregard for public safety in June 2022.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The second is either a massive misjudgment or another example of willful deception.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • At least, as much as possible in an inherently uncontrollable industry.
    — Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The sloppy security breaches, the embarrassing headlines, the uncontrollable infighting and undermining, the lack of accountability — this all belongs to Hegseth.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • His experience gave me hope that instead of being given room to destroy, perhaps Maryland’s wayward youth would be given the discipline needed to succeed.
    — Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Refuse to seed in shame what Nature sows and choose what leaf and petal and wayward weed all know: grow.
    — Cynthia Ozick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of wayward

Browse Nearby Words

headstreams
headstrong
heads-up
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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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