Intractable
Intractable adjective - Given to resisting authority or another's control.
Usage example: an intractable child who deliberately does the opposite of whatever he is told
Obstinate is a synonym for intractable in stubborn topic. In some cases you can use "Obstinate" instead an adjective "Intractable", when it comes to topics like difficult, control, unyielding, headstrong. popular alternative
Nearby Words: intractability, intractably
Obstinate
Obstinate adjective - Sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion.
Usage example: the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others
Intractable is a synonym for obstinate in stubborn topic. You can use "Intractable" instead an adjective "Obstinate", if it concerns topics such as control, unyielding, headstrong. popular alternative
Nearby Words: obstinacy, obstinately
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- inflexible and intractable
- inflexible and obstinate
- stubborn and intractable
- stubborn and obstinate
- unyielding and intractable
- unyielding and obstinate
- tenacious and intractable
- tenacious and obstinate
- contrary and intractable
- contrary and obstinate
- perverse and intractable
- perverse and obstinate
- refractory and intractable
- refractory and obstinate
Both words in one sentence
- When she's being intractable or Baloo's being obstinate, she insists upon "Rebecca." However, when these two characters are more amenable, "Becky" and "Beckers" get a pass.
Source: Hates Being Nicknamed
Cite this Source
Obstinate and Intractable. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/intractable/obstinate
Intractable & Obstinate. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/intractable/obstinate>.
Obstinate or Intractable. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/intractable/obstinate.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "intractable" and "obstinate" have occurred on timeline