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stubborn resistance
staunch resistance
determined resistance
hardheaded resistance
tenacious resistance
unyielding resistance
a stubborn streak
a defiant streak
a determined streak
a tenacious streak
an uncompromising streak
a rebellious streak
a stubborn child
a hardheaded child
a defiant child
a rebellious child
a headstrong child
an obdurate child
stubborn stains
tough stains
persistent stains
difficult stains
impossible stains

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stubborn distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of stubborn are dogged, mulish, obstinate, and pertinacious. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

When might dogged be a better fit than stubborn?

The meanings of dogged and stubborn largely overlap; however, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is it sensible to use mulish instead of stubborn?

Although the words mulish and stubborn have much in common, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can obstinate take the place of stubborn?

The synonyms obstinate and stubborn are sometimes interchangeable, but obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could pertinacious be used to replace stubborn?

While in some cases nearly identical to stubborn, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

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 stubborn The top of the robot’s head was barely visible, and some of the stubborn red and green spots were noticeably lighter. Marie Lodi, Allure, 1 June 2025 For more stubborn stains, use a coarse sponge or toothbrush to penetrate the fabric deeper. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 May 2025 Starting out stubborn and often mistrustful of humans, Hartnell grew his Doctor into a wise and grandfatherly figure, travelling with ten companions, from 1963-1966. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025 Jet fuel rolled down the street and the smell of it lingered in the air while authorities worked to extinguish one stubborn car fire that sent smoke billowing up. John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stubborn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stubborn
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
Adjective
  • Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • From the outset, our firm has maintained that no one is above the law, especially those in positions of power, and that principle remains steadfast.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • More: McConnell called Trump 'despicable' and a 'narcissist,' cried after Capitol riot, new book says Now out of GOP leadership, McConnell has emerged as the most obstinate member of a loose cohort of Republican senators willing to criticize the president’s policies and nominees.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 6 Jan. 2021
  • Trump has repeatedly voiced his frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of litigating the negotiations in the press and of being obstinate for drawing a red line by declaring Ukraine would not accept a deal that recognizes Russia’s occupation of Crimea.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stubborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stubborn. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stubborn

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