1
as in outspoken
engaging in or marked by loud and insistent cries especially of protest
an obstreperous crowd protesting the government's immigration policy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the club's president was at his wits' end with obstreperous members who refused to cooperate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstreperous
And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
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
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
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
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Aside from suave showmanship and feel-good Latin rhythms, the outspoken singer paid tribute to his Latino heritage and Puerto Rican history during his performance.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The brand cultivates a fun, rebellious, and inclusive culture.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Your 11th House of Friendship hosts Venus, who squares rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources, pushing group plans against changing costs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In the latter, many on the Christian right have been vocal supporters.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Another draw would not have been enough to satisfy Hurzeler’s most vocal and impatient detractors.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The rebel operation that Erdoğan approved seems to have been intended as a way to prod Assad to negotiate; it was framed not as an invasion but as a defensive move.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
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The image, known as the rebel loon, blends the outline of a loon with the familiar rebellion emblem.—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The discontent was more widespread, more vociferous and more insulting this time.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Multiple former Human Rights Watch staffers panned Shakir and his critique, including Ken Roth, the group’s former executive director and himself a vociferous critic of Israel.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Other defiant moments on a global stage The NFL has long maintained guardrails around the halftime show, particularly when performances edge toward political commentary.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
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Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in person to a Republican congressional investigation into notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, apparently ending their defiant campaign of resistance.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The other was Wilt’s, a blatant recruiting violation from KU.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
7 Feb. 2026
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That is a blatant lie by the president of the CEA.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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