Definition of adamantnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word adamant different from other adjectives like it?

The words inflexible and obdurate are common synonyms of adamant. While all three words mean "unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose," adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.

adamant that the work should continue

When is it sensible to use inflexible instead of adamant?

The words inflexible and adamant can be used in similar contexts, but inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle.

inflexible in their demands

When could obdurate be used to replace adamant?

The words obdurate and adamant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.

obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adamant Regardless, Stanton is adamant that there is no hypothetical future in which raccoons could realistically become good house pets. Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 10 June 2026 While waiting to go to court, Zaayer remained adamant that Shawna needed to go to prison but was also convinced that David — who worked at the nearby jail — was protecting his wife from receiving an adequate punishment, per The Guardian. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has been adamant that there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, given the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026 Advertisement Throughout negotiations, Tehran has been adamant that any cease-fire with Washington must also end the hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, and that any permanent truce must lead to Israel withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon. Callum Sutherland, Time, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adamant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adamant
Adjective
  • Colombia earned its passage into the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over stubborn Ghana.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Pickle Robot’s Physical AI unloaders tackle the dock door bottleneck, which is a stubborn pain point in inbound logistics, while AmbiStack handles the structured, high-volume stacking that feeds downstream operations.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Follow these steps to get rid of hardened residue, odors, and germs, and learn how to make outdoor trash cans a little less yucky.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Hauser played hardened ranch foreman Rip Wheeler on the Paramount Network series that ran from 2018 to 2024.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adamant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adamant. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on adamant

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster