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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

The guard was obstinate in refusing to provide one.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025

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

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2024

Maybe she was too obstinate or self-destructive; maybe her vision was a tad too strange for middle-of-the-road record-buyers in the early ’70s.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2024

Fudge reddened slightly, but a defiant and obstinate look came over his face.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling