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Synonym Chooser

How is the word obstreperous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 obstreperous In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025 In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 Featuring bodies stacked like cords of wood and a bloated S.S. guard dangling from an iron hook, the spread was an obstreperous incursion among the kind of fashion and perfume ads that Miller had once shot or appeared in. Chris Wiley, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2024 Rachelle and Matthew had told me that Zac had become obstreperous and even menacing toward them, but Howells mentioned several incidents of physical aggression. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Known for his outspoken floor speeches and frequent criticism of bipartisan bills, May had also built a reputation as a disruptive political consultant, backing challengers against sitting GOP incumbents.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Former foundation board members Susan Burns and Larry Geimer were especially outspoken, repeatedly introducing the topic at public board meetings.
    Alice Herman, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Inspired by 1953’s The Wild One starring Marlon Brando, the song and video captures the rebellious spirit of the cult classic, with scenes of a motorcycle being driven on an open road and birds in flight.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
  • Many historians estimate that at least 15 to 20 percent of the population remained loyal to the crown, some even taking up arms against their rebellious neighbors and fighting alongside the British.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the split, she’s been vocal about maintaining a solid co-parenting relationship with Shumpert for their two daughters, Junie, 9, and Rue, 4.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • The Disney Channel alum has since been vocal about getting sober — first from marijuana in 2017 and then alcohol three years later.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yet none of this has dampened Mr. Trump’s enthusiasm for bringing U.S. influence to bear in trying to end the rebel incursion – in part because the fighting has affected a region that holds some of Congo’s main rare earth deposits.
    Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
  • The legislature entertained several bills—including two from Sumner—to authorize the government to seize rebel property, including slaves.
    Zaakir Tameez June 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both players have played down the rivalry, but their fan bases are often vociferous in their dislike of the opposing player.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, has been subject to vociferous criticism by fans this season, and if Inter win the Champions League, whatever happens on Wednesday won’t matter to many of the management’s detractors.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kim Kardashian made a defiant walk into Paris' Palace of Justice in May, to face the criminals who held the reality star at gunpoint and robbed in 2016.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • In curating the show, Moore sought to elevate artists whose work embodies this tension while also offering something tender, vulnerable, and defiant.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over 260 state legislators from both parties have condemned the move, calling it a blatant overreach that strips communities of the ability to respond to real-world harms.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The film noir influences that O’Hara is talking about making a blatant part of this production are intriguing.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their relationship can be difficult as AM is stubborn and likes to have her way always.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Some of these infections stop on their own, but others are too stubborn, or too serious, to leave untreated.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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