Definitions

stubborn

[stuhb-ern] / ˈstʌb ərn /

ADJECTIVE

obstinate, unyielding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adamant determined dogged headstrong inflexible intractable ornery persistent perverse relentless rigid single-minded steadfast tenacious tough unshakable willful

WEAK

balky bloody-minded bullheaded cantankerous contumacious cussed firm fixed hang-tough hardheaded inexorable insubordinate mulish obdurate opinionated persevering pertinacious pigheaded rebellious recalcitrant refractory self-willed set in one's ways stiff-necked unbending unmanageable unreasonable untoward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

flexible irresolute kind nice pliable pliant reasonable soft submissive surrendering weak willing yielding

WEAK

broad-minded complacent compliant giving

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.

A source close to him said: "Alan is stubborn and won't give up without a fight".

From BBC • May 12, 2026

This stubborn defiance is also present in Chambers’ commitment to the “golden age” of decorative art.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Suddenly, their missions are the same — maybe they always were, and they were both too stubborn to understand it until now.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

“Solid growth and no sign of fracture in the labor market left stubborn inflation as the morning’s economic headline,” says Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“Well, at least leave behind that stubborn and melancholy girl who you were in Silivri. Pretend she never existed. Start over in Cuba.”

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Vocabulary lists containing stubborn

The Cay

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!

Twelve Angry Men

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!

"What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?" Vocabulary from the short story

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!