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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
  • The outspoken tech tycoon has made waves across the government with his new Department of Government Efficiency, which has slashed jobs and forced employees back into the office.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Scherzer, one of the most outspoken players in the league, was a member of the MLBPA’s eight-player subcommittee, a group that unanimously rejected the current collective bargaining agreement more than three years ago.
    Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 30 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
  • Since welcoming their children, both the rapper and the beauty mogul have been vocal about the positive impact parenthood has had on their lives.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Trump caused quite the stir ahead of his state visit, notably going head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was vocal in his disapproval of Trump’s impending arrival.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrate The Tradition Of Red Dirt Music Stillwater is considered the home of Red Dirt music, a gritty blend of rebel country, bluegrass, rock, and storytelling.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 July 2025
  • An Islamic State affiliate killed more than 40 churchgoers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region already beset by government clashes with a separate rebel group.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Enjoying an excellent day in front of a vociferous home support at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the 36-year-old found himself in a spot of bother when his tee shot at the par-four 11th curved into the rough on the right of the fairway.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • President Trump’s most vociferous media supporters have been in a full meltdown over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
    NR Editors, National Review, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most important American service exports is higher education but the Trump Administration in this case has displayed blatant disregard for trade balance with its multi-pronged attack on universities and its hostility to international students.
    Devashish Mitra, Time, 28 July 2025
  • The chart’s most cringeworthy attribute is not the blatant inaccuracy, but the disingenuity.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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