headstrong

adjective

ˈhed-ˌstrȯŋ How to pronounce headstrong (audio)
Definition of headstrongnext
1
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others a headstrong child who likes to test the limits of his parents' patience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adamant
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the tenants of the building remain headstrong in their determination not to be evicted by the developer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective headstrong differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of headstrong are intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of headstrong?

The words intractable and headstrong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for headstrong?

The words recalcitrant and headstrong can be used in similar contexts, but recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When could refractory be used to replace headstrong?

While in some cases nearly identical to headstrong, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When might ungovernable be a better fit than headstrong?

The meanings of ungovernable and headstrong largely overlap; however, 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

Where would unruly be a reasonable alternative to headstrong?

While the synonyms unruly and headstrong are close in meaning, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

In what contexts can willful take the place of headstrong?

In some situations, the words willful and headstrong are roughly equivalent. However, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

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 headstrong Ackie is accustomed to playing headstrong characters yet this is her first time playing a security agent in space who happens to be Mickey’s lover. —Malik Peay, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025 Natasha seems headstrong and careless of her sister’s feelings. —April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025 Still the headstrong toddler wanted to see justice served, insisting that the police take his mom to jail. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 11 Mar. 2025 Expect some frustrations as headstrong Aries meets the introspective retrograde energies, pushing us to review our actions and thoughts from a fresh perspective. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstrong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headstrong
  1. stubborn
  2. adamant
  3. rebellious
  4. willful
  5. uncontrollable
  6. wayward
Adjective
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Nobody’s shooting on this season’s Longhorns would be mistaken for Stephen Curry’s, but Schaefer is adamant that this group stands out among his 20-year head-coaching career.
    — Ben Pickman, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Still, Jenkins was adamant about not moving to the city.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction.
    — Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Wearing cowboy boots with shorts is not only a bold stylistic choice but also a practical way to dress for warm weather without giving up the rustic and rebellious touch that the boots bring.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • The willful reluctance of Western policymakers to recognize the importance of cognitive warfare carries the risk of irreversible losses in power and influence worldwide, the key factors that determine strategic outcomes in global competition.
    — Michael Miklaucic, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Luckily, her father steered her away from such a willful error.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • Common Mental Health Conditions in Men Depression Depression causes disruptive, uncontrollable feelings of sadness and emptiness.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Slippery Slope Thinking Fuels A Fear Of Change People with strong slippery slope beliefs tend to assume that one small change will lead to inevitable, uncontrollable negative consequences.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • Palud follows the same aberration when Being Maria tracks Schneider’s descent into heroin addiction, her wayward film career, family turmoil, and bisexuality.
    — Armond White, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • For 109 years, Florida sent wayward boys from across the state to Dozier — and the series chronicled the men who survived the school and demanded acknowledgment, resolution and reparation.
    — Yacob Reyes, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of wayward

Browse Nearby Words

headstreams
headstrong
heads-up
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Cite this Entry

“Headstrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headstrong. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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