WILLFULNESS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

willfulness

noun

Definition of willfulness

as in stubbornness

a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion her unceasing willfulness eventually wore down her critics and opponents

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rebellion

refusal to obey the trainer was able to correct our dog's willfulness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 willfulness Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition. — Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026 The orphan’s predicament is as much a matter of willfulness as of survival—inseparable, as in the works of Charles Dickens, from a dream of being somehow rescued by the idea of an adult world. — Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025 While this change reduces the explicit admission of willfulness, a narrative is still required. — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Christian Science doesn’t demand blind faith and willfulness but a willingness to surrender to this higher truth. — Matthew Schmidt, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Jan. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for willfulness

Noun

Given Babcock’s stubbornness and past controversies, Smith may also be given more agency to question his head coach’s decisions.

— Janson Duench, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
According to RadarOnline, William’s stubbornness has contributed to his strained relationship with Charles.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubbornness

Noun

During the Sengoku period, clan leader Isshin Ashina leads a successful rebellion against the rulers to secure Ashina’s independence.

— Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
According to a recent paper by the French Institute of International Relations, the SAF and its supporters claim to be putting down an armed rebellion as Sudan’s legitimate government.

— Mat Nashed, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

Now, after more than 15 years in professional baseball, Berti is choosing to close the book on a career defined by persistence.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The persistence of the nature gap The legacy of this history is heavily reflected in modern statistics.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

Since then, mayoral defiance of the legal obligations to enforce the council’s budget has left the city financially short of that modest projection.

— Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
That defiance underscores the central gamble of Washington’s strategy.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
The natural obstinacy and rebelliousness of Israa’s teenage years are hyperaccelerated by culture clashes with both her family and the other kids around her.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026

Definition of obstinacy

Noun

Whether writing five decades ago or today, the genre’s most insightful commentators have always observed how punk fuses rebelliousness with commodification, capitalism with resistance.

— Kyle Devine, Longreads, 14 July 2026
Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.

— Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Definition of rebelliousness

Noun

This requires yielding – surrendering self-will, fear, and human outlining – to the pure activity of Christ within consciousness.

— Larissa Snorek, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2025
But also injuries and ailments at all the wrong times, as well as overt self-will at times.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2025

Definition of self-will

Noun

Another child said he was forced to carry out artillery strikes and beaten for disobedience.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
But many Catholics, including conservative and traditional ones, are opposed to the consecrations, viewing them as an act of severe disobedience to the pope that hurts the church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of disobedience

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“Willfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/willfulness. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of willfulness

noun

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