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Definition of obstreperousnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of obstreperous are blatant, boisterous, clamorous, strident, and vociferous. While all these words mean "so loud or insistent as to compel attention," obstreperous suggests unruly and aggressive noisiness and resistance to restraint.

the obstreperous demonstrators were arrested

Where would blatant be a reasonable alternative to obstreperous?

The words blatant and obstreperous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, blatant implies an offensive bellowing or insensitive loudness.

blatant rock music
a blatant clamor for impeachment

When can boisterous be used instead of obstreperous?

The words boisterous and obstreperous can be used in similar contexts, but boisterous suggests a noisiness and turbulence due to high spirits.

a boisterous crowd of party goers

When is clamorous a more appropriate choice than obstreperous?

The meanings of clamorous and obstreperous largely overlap; however, clamorous may imply insistency as well as vociferousness in demanding or protesting.

clamorous demands for prison reforms

When might strident be a better fit than obstreperous?

In some situations, the words strident and obstreperous are roughly equivalent. However, strident suggests harsh and discordant noise.

heard the strident cry of the crow

In what contexts can vociferous take the place of obstreperous?

The synonyms vociferous and obstreperous are sometimes interchangeable, but vociferous implies a vehement shouting or calling out.

vociferous cries of protest and outrage

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 obstreperous And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 All at once, Vance had made an obstreperous return to the center of the national stage—and so did the memes. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025 In some ways, Paul has been less obstreperous than them. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025 In those days, even small neighborhood theaters employed uniformed ushers to guide latecomers to their seats with a flashlight, patrol the aisles, and handle obstreperous customers. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obstreperous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obstreperous
Adjective
  • Then there’s reality TV star Spencer Pratt, an outspoken Bass critic, who launched a campaign rooted in his fury over the city’s handling of the fire — and the loss of his family’s home in the flames.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The outspoken auteur, considered one of Iranian cinema’s greatest living masters, is still in the crosshairs of the government known as the Islamic Republic of Iran.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This vibe continues to be brought to you courtesy of your co-ruling planet, rebellious Uranus, moving into your fifth house of self-expression on April 25, empowering you to lean fully into your penchant for unconventionality and incorporating the element of surprise in your personal style.
    Maressa Brown, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
  • But very soon, that could be rebellious Venezuelan locals seeking to protect their path to democratic sovereignty and resist foreign interference.
    Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The responses in Bug are very vocal and that is a lot of fun.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hopefuls are judged on musical performance, song choice, vocal abilities, costuming, crowd appeal and authenticity in portraying the real-life Gold Rush character Klondike Kate.
    Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In December 2002, the MPCI joined forces with two other rebel factions to form the New Forces of Ivory Coast (FNCI).
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Two men are targeted by the rebel army who overthrew the government of Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Someone else who has been addressing artificial intelligence head on has been Julia Roberts, who has been one of its most vociferous critics and refuses to even use ChatGPT.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Vice President Vance also offered a vociferous defense for ICE on Thursday, while criticizing media coverage.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Abbas Maroufi’s The Body of Farhad (1998) takes a more defiant approach.
    Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The Seton Hall crowd was loud and its press was defiant, but this time the Huskies escaped.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of these skew toward the quirkier side, and a couple are blatant reaches (January wish lists are where our most delirious aspirations belong, after all).
    Ava Wallace, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
  • These bans are blatant discrimination, and the Court should say so.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Obstreperous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obstreperous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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