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.

For nearly 60 years, “60 Minutes” has stood apart because of its stubborn independence and commitment to irritating powerful people.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

Extreme demand suggests prices won’t ease anytime soon, adding another worry for the Federal Reserve as it struggles to reduce stubborn inflation.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Asian markets fell Wednesday as surging bond yields and stubborn inflation concerns knocked an investor confidence already shaken by US President Donald Trump's renewed threats of striking Iran.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

The struggle is about more than one man’s stubborn refusal to surrender his faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

And she was so small, this girl, for such a weight to be set on her shoulders—small and stubborn and breakable.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Vocabulary lists containing stubborn

The Cay

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Twelve Angry Men

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

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