Definitions

obstinate

[ob-stuh-nit] / ˈɒb stə nɪt /

ADJECTIVE

stubborn, determined

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adamant dogmatic headstrong inflexible intransigent recalcitrant steadfast tenacious unyielding willful

STRONG

convinced dogged firm hardened resolved

WEAK

cantankerous contradictory contrary contumacious dead set on hard heady immovable indomitable intractable locked-in mulish obdurate opinionated opinionative persistent pertinacious perverse pigheaded refractory relentless restive self-willed strong-minded unalterable unflinching unmanageable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

amenable flexible obedient pliant soft submissive surrendering willing yielding

STRONG

irresolute

WEAK

agreeable cooperative helpful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her critical “confidence . . . is thrillingly anachronistic: obstinate, sure, but warming, too.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

While the central meaning of all this has yet to be revealed, Seehorn’s performance of Carol’s obstinate loneliness is wrenchingly genuine to anyone who has ever felt alone in a sea of smiling strangers.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

He excelled at convincing even the obstinate to trust him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2024

But he added, he is "a pretty obstinate person".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2024

He walked to the door of the restaurant and held it open with an obstinate expression.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Vocabulary lists containing obstinate

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 8

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!