as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obstinate
Still, this is a strong, young group with one large elephant in the room - who will play third base, the infinitely superior defender and more agreeable team player Bregman or the better hitter and more obstinate Rafael Devers?
—
Tony Blengino, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Then there is the obstinate refusal to desalinate the ocean.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025
Then there’s the delight in seeing kangaroos dragged involuntarily to safety by their tails, obstinate goats slung over human shoulders, unexpectedly cuddly tapirs, sedated leopards, an ostrich chased into a rescue truck, etc.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.
—Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for obstinate
Tony Blengino, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Then there is the obstinate refusal to desalinate the ocean.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2025
Then there’s the delight in seeing kangaroos dragged involuntarily to safety by their tails, obstinate goats slung over human shoulders, unexpectedly cuddly tapirs, sedated leopards, an ostrich chased into a rescue truck, etc.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin were obstinate, colorful negotiators.
—Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for obstinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstinate
Adjective
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But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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But Galkin is adamant that because their focus was always the victims, Kohberger’s plea deal only changed one thing.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
11 July 2025
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The call came on what was the hottest day of the year in the U.K., but staff were adamant Moo needed picking up, much to Ford's mild annoyance.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obstinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstinate. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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