Search Dictionary
Definition of obstinate

obstinate

/ˈɑːb.stə.nət/
ob · sti · nate
Adverb:obstinately
JUMP TO:

obstinate Lexical Profile

obstinate Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

Example

"Despite clear evidence that his plan was flawed, the committee member remained obstinate in his opposition to the new proposal."

2

Very difficult to change, overcome, or cure (especially of an unwelcome condition, problem, or stain).

Example

"The mechanic spent hours trying to loosen an obstinate bolt on the engine block."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for obstinate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for obstinate

• Nearby Words

obstetrician
obstetrics
obstinacy
obstinate
obstinately
obstruct
obstruction

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Latin obstinatus, the past participle of obstinare ('to persist in, resolve on'), formed from ob- ('against') and a derivative of stare ('to stand').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obstinate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obstinate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.