Synonym Chooser

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 Then there is the obstinate refusal to desalinate the ocean. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025 Then there’s the delight in seeing kangaroos dragged involuntarily to safety by their tails, obstinate goats slung over human shoulders, unexpectedly cuddly tapirs, sedated leopards, an ostrich chased into a rescue truck, etc. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025 Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators. Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024 Inna, notoriously protective of her husband’s legacy, worked with a translator and editors on a few chapters of the book but then retreated into obstinate silence. Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate
Adjective
  • Their relationship can be difficult as AM is stubborn and likes to have her way always.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Rick McConnell said that this sounds like his mom, who is stubborn.
    Bella Waters, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Rawan is adamant that solving this will need more than just high-tech products.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Furious, Julian is adamant that Gabby wasn’t on the boat with Finn and Toby.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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