OBSTINATE Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obstinate' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged , mulish , pertinacious , and stubborn . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When could 'dogged' be used to replace 'obstinate'?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: When is 'mulish' a more appropriate choice than 'obstinate'?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: In what contexts can 'pertinacious' take the place of 'obstinate'?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Q: When would 'stubborn' be a good substitute for 'obstinate'?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

obstinate

adjective

ˈäb-stə-nət

Definition of obstinate next

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

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How is the word obstinate distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged, mulish, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could dogged be used to replace obstinate?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is mulish a more appropriate choice than obstinate?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can pertinacious take the place of obstinate?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When would stubborn be a good substitute for obstinate?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 obstinate At this point, this is pure theater from Schumer, Jeffries, and the rest of the obstinate Democratic Party leaders. —

Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 As Bob throws a tantrum with the resistance’s obstinate operator, Sensei procures a rifle for Bob too. —

Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 The other parents in Julianna’s comments had a similarly good sense of humor about how weaning an obstinate toddler can sometimes feel like negotiating with a dictator. —

Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025 There’s something admirable, in an obstinate way, about Coen choosing to make lesbian B-movies that clock in at under 90 minutes as his first and second solo features following his creative split with Joel in 2018. —

Daniel Bromfield, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstinate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate

Adjective

If that doesn’t solve the problem, try scrubbing stubborn spots with Bar Keeper’s Friend and a nonabrasive sponge.

— Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Rusk recommends using wash and styling products that don’t contain silicones (like dimethicone), which can cause a stubborn coating to accumulate that clogs follicles on the scalp and prevents the hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients.

— Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of stubborn

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“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of obstinate

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