hardheadedness

noun

1
as in persistence
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion her unrelenting hardheadedness didn't win many friends, but it helped her to get her way most of the time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligence
exceptional discernment and judgment especially in practical matters the hardheadedness of a bean counter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardheadedness
  1. persistence
  2. intelligence
  3. stubbornness
  4. wit
  5. persistency
  6. wisdom
  7. intransigence
  8. shrewdness
Noun
  • Scientists say that difference in scale and persistence means history does not guarantee a repeat outcome, even as El Niño is expected to strengthen through the fall and add another layer of ocean warming.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • But that persistence and learning became the foundation of my organization.
    — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of persistence
Noun
  • Bobbi Queen, a former senior fashion editor at WWD who was known for her intelligence, wit and sense of style, died Thursday at her New York apartment at the age of 84.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • Autonomy with human oversight Artificial intelligence handles much of CobraJet’s flight through an autonomous autopilot supported by electro-optical and infrared cameras.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Definition of intelligence
Noun
  • Archie’s stubbornness is a reflex to his worldview being attacked without first acknowledging his experience.
    — Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • There was also Tortorella’s stubbornness in sticking with goalie Carter Hart, who set the wrong type of records in the Stanley Cup Final.
    — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of stubbornness
Noun
  • To be sure, Maher’s ready wit and spontaneous repartee as a talk show host were central themes for the parade of chums who praised the honoree.
    — Paul Harris, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • Jade stalked Chelsea, but Charlotte Flair interfered and hit Cargill wit the belt.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of wit
Noun
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.
    — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023
Definition of persistency
Noun
  • But Russert says wisdom can help the political news landscape.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • That's the kind of wisdom that takes a decade to build and one quarterly decision to permanently destroy.
    — Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of wisdom
Noun
  • Fatigue with the stagnation inherent in contemporary democratic institutions is among the key factors that make the promise to break through intransigence by autocratic leaders attractive to a plurality of voters.
    — Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
  • Instead, the courts are dealing with intransigence from the city.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Definition of intransigence
Noun
  • Instead, Franklin will rise by virtue of hard work and (actual) shrewdness.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
  • Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend.
    — Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of shrewdness
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.

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hardheaded
hardheadedness
hardheads
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Cite this Entry

“Hardheadedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardheadedness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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