headstrong

adjective

head·​strong ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ How to pronounce headstrong (audio)
Synonyms of headstrongnext
1
: not easily restrained : impatient of control, advice, or suggestions
a headstrong businessman
2
: directed by ungovernable will
violent headstrong actions

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for headstrong

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of headstrong in a Sentence

The child is very headstrong. He is known for his headstrong behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With Aries' impulsive, headstrong nature amplified by the supermoon, emotions are likely to be running high, sparking feelings of restlessness and perhaps even anxiety. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Alongside, Jackson was the headstrong Deadwyler who inhabited the role of the cognizantly protective mother and daughter, Berniece. —Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024 What most of these movies have in common, beyond some version of the Xenomorph, is the presence of a headstrong heroine who looks, dresses, or behaves like the franchise’s first. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2024 Two headstrong people discover the importance of putting personal differences aside to create what is most important at Christmas. —EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headstrong 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headstrong was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near headstrong

head string

headstrong

headstrongly

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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headstrong. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

headstrong

adjective
head·​strong -ˌstrȯŋ How to pronounce headstrong (audio)
1
: not easily controlled : wanting one's own way
a headstrong child
2
: directed by uncontrollable will
violent headstrong actions

More from Merriam-Webster on headstrong

Nglish: Translation of headstrong for Spanish Speakers

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