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.

Melamine sponges are known for removing stubborn stains without the need for extra chemicals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Before running them through the dishwasher, he soaks and scrubs off the most stubborn jams and sauces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The “restart timeline is a stubborn mule,” Raj told MarketWatch, and “repumping the battered energy heart is a multiyear demolition derby, not a weekend DIY.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

To the obvious fury of the judge, the prince's stubborn barrister David Sherborne often tested the boundaries of that decision.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“She is stubborn and knows what she wants.”

From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone

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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