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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 All at once, Vance had made an obstreperous return to the center of the national stage—and so did the memes. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Kirk, an outspoken and devout protestant Christian, was supposedly considering Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy around the time of his death, in the telling of some online.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Terrion is an outspoken person.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The third book in the Luna Sisters series follows the journey to love for the youngest and most rebellious Luna sister, Gabriela.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (McGraw) is now 14, a rebellious teenager living under Gemma’s overprotective rules.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Israel, a nation which Kirk was a vocal supporter of, has also emerged as a flashpoint following his death.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The actor, who grew up in a working-class family in Santa Monica, spent decades as a vocal climate activist, founding The Redford Center, dedicated to raising awareness for environmental causes, with his late son James in 2005.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Offering a complete range of tailored clothing, leather jackets, footwear, and accessories, JV denotes the taste of high fashion with a rebel aesthetic.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The rebel run is the biggest of them all.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect green groups and politicians to mount vociferous opposition shortly.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The decision, issued by Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, spares Google a corporate breakup sought by its most vociferous critics.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The album’s emotional palette fluidly shifts between defiant bravado and glum recognition that the big dream was more than likely to crash and burn.
    Jesse Adams, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • This defiant guy decided to use a huge lumber pile as his roost for days.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This administration is responsible for the most blatant attacks on the free press in American history.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Guardiola turned to his bench and shook his head after what was surely the most blatant foul of the season.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Inflation is stubborn, unemployment is rising and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has even confirmed that Gen Z grads just can’t get a break right now.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Clean With Vinegar And Dish Soap Dish soap cuts through grease and grime to make removing stubborn dirt easier.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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