obstinate

adjective

ˈäb-stə-nət How to pronounce obstinate (audio)
Definition of obstinatenext
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word obstinate distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obstinate are dogged, mulish, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When could dogged be used to replace obstinate?

The words dogged and obstinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is mulish a more appropriate choice than obstinate?

The synonyms mulish and obstinate are sometimes interchangeable, but mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can pertinacious take the place of obstinate?

In some situations, the words pertinacious and obstinate are roughly equivalent. However, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When would stubborn be a good substitute for obstinate?

The meanings of stubborn and obstinate largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 obstinate Still, this is a strong, young group with one large elephant in the room - who will play third base, the infinitely superior defender and more agreeable team player Bregman or the better hitter and more obstinate Rafael Devers? —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Then there is the obstinate refusal to desalinate the ocean. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025 Then there’s the delight in seeing kangaroos dragged involuntarily to safety by their tails, obstinate goats slung over human shoulders, unexpectedly cuddly tapirs, sedated leopards, an ostrich chased into a rescue truck, etc. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025 Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators. —Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obstinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate
  1. stubborn
  2. adamant
Adjective
  • The fizzing reaction can help remove stubborn residues.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 July 2025
  • Beneath its surface were deep, dark scars—grooves cut through the rock by old lava flows, now overgrown with stubborn green.
    — Tess Moormans, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Since camp got underway, he's been adamant that winning games is far more important than his personal stats.
    — Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Liverpool communicated an interest in acquiring the Sweden international for around £120m, though Newcastle have been adamant for months that Isak is not for sale.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Definition of adamant

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Cite this Entry

“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of obstinate for Spanish Speakers

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