What is another word for willfulness?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪlfə͡lnəs] (IPA)

There are several synonyms for the word "willfulness," which refers to the act of being determined to have one's own way or to act in a self-willed manner. Some of these synonyms include stubbornness, obstinacy, inflexibility, rigidity, and firmness of purpose. In some contexts, "willfulness" can also be replaced with other words, such as determination, resolve, or tenacity, which connote a sense of strong will or perseverance in the face of difficulties. Other synonyms that might be used to describe someone who is acting with willfulness might include headstrong, self-willed, or insistent. Ultimately, however, the specific connotations of any given synonym will depend on the context in which it is used.

Synonyms for Willfulness:

What are the hypernyms for Willfulness?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for willfulness?

Willfulness is a negative trait that refers to stubbornness and unwavering determination to follow one's own will despite the inconveniences or restraints. The opposite of willfulness is compliance, which denotes the act of yielding to the will of others or obeying rules and regulations voluntarily. Conformity is another antonym of willfulness, which implies adjusting one's behavior and thoughts according to the expectations and standards of social norms and values. Flexibility is also an antonym, which suggests being adaptable and open to change, and not holding onto preconceived notions and assumptions. Lastly, compromise is the antithesis of willfulness, meaning finding common ground and collaborating with others to achieve common goals.

Usage examples for Willfulness

He probably did not want to show the people how this news of Peter's willfulness and indiscretion surprised him.
"Landolin"
Berthold Auerbach
Let them marvel at their own willfulness.
"Psycho-Phone Messages"
Francis Grierson
It is almost pitiful to see the strong, stern, self-reliant statesman refusing, with nervous and passionate willfulness, to look the danger in the face, and, instead thereof, trying to persuade himself into the belief that "the remedy lies in the right working of the Constitution; in the cessation of unequal legislation; in the reduction of the inordinate expenses of the government; in its return to the simple, limited, and economical machine it was intended to be; and in the revival of fraternal feelings and respect for each other's rights and just complaints."
"Thomas Hart Benton"
Theodore Roosevelt

Famous quotes with Willfulness

  • If music in general is an imitation of history, opera in particular is an imitation of human willfulness; it is rooted in the fact that we not only have feelings but insist upon having them at whatever cost to ourselves. The quality common to all the great operatic roles, e.g., Don Giovanni, Norma, Lucia, Tristan, Isolde, Br?nnhilde, is that each of them is a passionate and willful state of being. In real life they would all be bores, even Don Giovanni.
    W. H. Auden
  • My young friend who was taught that she was so sinful the only way an angry God could be persuaded to forgive her was by Jesus dying for her, was also taught that part of the joy of the blessed in heaven is watching the torture of the damned in hell. A strange idea of joy. But it is a belief limited not only to the more rigid sects. I know a number of highly sensitive and intelligent people in my own communion who consider as a heresy my faith that God's loving concern for his creation will outlast all our willfulness and pride. No matter how many eons it takes, he will not rest until all of creation, including Satan, is reconciled to him, until there is no creature who cannot return his look of love with a joyful response of love... Origen held this belief and was ultimately pronounced a heretic. Gregory of Nyssa, affirming the same loving God, was made a saint. Some people feel it to be heresy because it appears to deny man his freedom to refuse to love God. But this, it seems to me, denies God his freedom to go on loving us beyond all our willfulness and pride. If the Word of God is the light of the world, and this light cannot be put out, ultimately it will brighten all the dark corners of our hearts and we will be able to see, and seeing, will be given the grace to respond with love — and of our own free will.
    Madeleine L'Engle

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