obstinate
57 synonyms and 5 antonyms for obstinate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, often unreasonably so.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use obstinate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare, "to set one's mind firmly on something", from ob- plus stare, "to stand".
Full origin of obstinate →Frequently asked questions
What does “obstinate” mean?
The word “obstinate” means refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, often unreasonably so. In plain terms, stubbornly sticking to a position, even when it's unreasonable.
How do you pronounce “obstinate”?
“Obstinate” is pronounced OB-stih-nuht (/ˈɑb.stə.nət/ in IPA).
How do you use “obstinate” in a sentence?
Here is “obstinate” used in a sentence: “He was too obstinate to admit he'd taken the wrong turn.”
What is another word for “obstinate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obstinate” include persistent, stubborn, pertinacious, adamant, ardent and grim.
What is the opposite of “obstinate”?
The opposite of “obstinate” — its antonyms — are compromising, transigent, flexible, sycophantic and yielding.
What part of speech is “obstinate”?
“Obstinate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “obstinate” come from?
The word “obstinate” comes from Latin. From Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare, "to set one's mind firmly on something", from ob- plus stare, "to stand".