Synonyms of obstinate
61 similar words · 5 opposite words
Another word for obstinate is stubborn. Other synonyms of obstinate are self-willed, dogged, refractory, unyielding and intransigent. The opposite of obstinate is flexible.
Synonyms and similar words for obstinate
adjectiveStubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness...
- bloody-mindedObstinate; stubborn.
adjectiveOf an inanimate object, not easily subdued or removed.
adjectiveMore synonyms
- stubbornRefusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting; persistent in doing something.
- pertinacious
- adamant
- ardent
- grim
- untiring
- bent onCompletely determined; obstinate.
- bullheadedUnreasonably stubborn.
- certain
- chronic
- confirmed
- determinedDecided; resolute, possessing much determination; dogged.
- diehard
- doggedStubbornly persevering, steadfast.
- hard-hearted
- hard-nosed
- hardheadedStubborn; wilful.
- headstrongDetermined to do as one pleases, and not as others want.
- immovableSteadfast in purpose or intention: unalterable, unyielding.
- incalcitrantRecalcitrant.
- inflexible
- insistent
- intractableStubborn; obstinate. (of a person).
- intransigentUnwilling to compromise or moderate a position; unreasonable; stubborn.
- intrepidFearless; bold; brave.
- inveterate
- mulishCharacteristic of a mule; stubborn, obstinate, or intractable.
- obdurate
- obstreperousStubbornly defiant; disobedient; resistant to authority or control (whether in a noisy manner or not).
- peremptoryFirmly determined, resolute; obstinate, stubborn.
- pigheadedObstinate and stubborn to the point of stupidity.
- recalcitrant
- refractoryObstinate and unruly; strongly opposed to something.
- resolute
- resolvedDetermined; fixed in one's purpose.
- rigidUncompromising.
- self-willedObstinate; strong-minded; unyielding to the desires, concern or opinions of others.
- stalwart
- staunchStubborn, intransigent.
- steadfast
- steady
- stubborn as a muleExtremely stubborn.
- tenacious
- terminal
- thranStubborn; obstinate; pigheaded.
- toughOf a person, stubborn or persistent; capable of stubbornness or persistence.
- truculentDefiant or uncompromising.
- unbending
- uncompromising
- unyieldingNot giving in; not bending; stubborn.
- vehementShowing strong feelings; passionate; forceful or intense.
- wilfulStubborn and determined.
- willfulAmerican standard spelling of wilful.
- irrefragable obsoleteOf a person: obstinate, stubborn.
- peevish obsoleteObstinately in the wrong; perverse, stubborn.
- sullen obsoleteObstinate; intractable.
- thwart datedOf people: having a tendency to oppose; obstinate, perverse, stubborn.
Opposite of obstinate
adjectiveMore antonyms
- compromising
- transigentWilling to compromise.
- flexibleWilling or prone to give way to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate.
- sycophanticExcessively eager to please, especially for personal gain; obsequious, flattering.
- yieldingDocile, or inclined to give way to pressure.
Meaning of obstinate
- adjective Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.
- adjective Of an inanimate object, not easily subdued or removed.
- adjective Of a facial feature or expression, fixed and unmoving.
obstinate in other languages
Questions about synonyms of obstinate
- What is another word for obstinate?
- Obstinate has 61 synonyms on Word.ws, such as stubborn, self-willed, dogged, refractory, unyielding, intransigent, immovable and wilful.
- What is the opposite of obstinate?
- The opposite of obstinate is flexible. Other antonyms of obstinate are yielding and sycophantic.
- What does obstinate mean?
- Obstinate means stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course, usually with implied unreasonableness; persistent.
Source and license
Adapted from Wiktionary: obstinate (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.
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Cite this page: “Synonyms of obstinate.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/obstinate. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.