obstinate

/ˈɒbstɪnət/adjective

Sticking firmly to your own opinion or plan and refusing to change it.

Example sentences

“The obstinate old farmer refused to sell his land at any price.”
“My obstinate little brother refused to wear a coat even in the snow.”

More disapproving than 'determined': in the speaker's eyes, the obstinate person is wrong to keep holding on.

Featured as word of the day on July 5, 2026.

Synonyms for obstinate

stubborn
headstrong
obdurate
inflexible
pig-headed

Antonyms

flexible
compliant
accommodating

Find it in: Words to describe a person.

Related words

obtuseSlow to understand things, or acting as if you do not understand.obsequiousToo eager to obey or please someone, in a way that seems insincere.negligentFailing to take proper care or give enough attention to something.pallidLacking color or brightness; looking pale and weak.naiveToo trusting and inexperienced, with little understanding of how the world really works.moroseGloomy and bad-tempered, saying little and looking unhappy.