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strong-willed

strong-willed

19 4.3
A person who decides to do something and does not change their mind
  • adjective
  • /ˈstrɔŋˈwɪld/
translation icon : decidido
  • My strong-willed sister always stands up for her beliefs, no matter what others think.
  • strong-willed individuals
  • strong-willed woman
  • strong-willed female

And then I'm probably a nightmare because I want to be strong willed.

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Examples

  • Ushi was two years older than Tokusho, and although she was a strong-willed woman, she had a big heart.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • You're strong-willed, just trying to take care of the people who depend on you.

  • Just trying to keep track of a very strong willed young boy.

  • How did his kids get to be so strong-willed, he wonders?

    Fiction book (1997)
  • He was as strong-willed as his daddy.

  • Yet Falcon's female characters are strong-willed and determined individuals.

    Academic text (1997)
  • You realize it takes an extremely intelligent, strong-willed and imaginative individual to do this successfully.

  • Elisa is a strong-willed female who has endured similar experiences in the past.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Betty Meggers is a strong-willed octogenarian with immovable beliefs about ancient jungle cultures.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Lathan will play Mona Fredricks, Alderman Ross's strong-willed and politically savvy Chief of Staff.

    Blog text (26)

Synonyms

firm
vsstrong-willed
73 2.7

Showing strong determination and not changing your mind

is the broader personal quality of determined and resolute will
adamant
vsstrong-willed
72 6.8

Not willing to change one's mind even when others disagree

is similar but describes determined character rather than sheer stubbornness
staunch
vsstrong-willed
31 6.3

Loyal and firm in supporting a person or a cause

is about individual determined will rather than loyal commitment
steadfast
vsstrong-willed
30 5.6

Loyal and firm in support that does not change

focuses more on determined personal will than loyal steadiness
tenacious
vsstrong-willed
22 7.1

Continuing to try to reach a goal and not giving up easily

emphasizes inner firmness of will more than persistent holding
steely
vsstrong-willed
20 5.5

Being very determined and not showing fear

is broader personal determination rather than just a hard tone
unyielding
vsstrong-willed
10 6.5

Very firm in decisions and not willing to change or give up

is the personal firmness of will rather than only resistance
tough-minded
vsstrong-willed
4 6.1

A person who deals with problems in a realistic, determined way and is not easily moved by feelings

is about firm personal will rather than pragmatic toughness
strong-minded
vsstrong-willed
3 4.1

Someone who stands firm in beliefs and does not change because of other people

emphasizes determined firmness of will rather than just independence
resolute
vsstrong-willed
1 4.8

A person who is determined and does not change their mind

is the general trait of steady determined personal character
self-willed
vsstrong-willed
1 7.3

A person who insists on doing what they want and often disobeys others

is determined and resolute without implying habitual disobedience
stouthearted
vsstrong-willed
1 8.2

Brave and determined when facing danger or hard times

is the steady determined will rather than bravery alone
manful
vsstrong-willed
  • Archaic
1 8.0

Showing courage, strength, or strong determination

is the general determined character without gendered connotations
backboned
vsstrong-willed
7.0

A person who is brave and stays firm in hard times

is the inward determined will rather than just outward courage
steely-spined
vsstrong-willed
8.1

Being brave and calm under pressure

focuses more on steady determined will than only composure
steely-nerved
vsstrong-willed
8.3

Very calm and brave in dangerous or difficult situations

is the general determined character rather than stress-tested composure

Antonyms

312 1.5

Not strong in will and easily gives in to pressure

How Determined

unyielding
10 6.5
strong-willed
19 4.3
determined
399 2.5
pliant
1 6.5

Surface Forms

strong-willed positive

Morphology

strong-willed = strong + will (transparent) = strong + will + ed

Both components are productive English words ('strong' + 'will' with a participial '-ed'), and the meaning is directly 'having a strong will'.

Etymology

The word strong-willed joins strong 'powerful' and will 'choice' or 'wish', so it paints the picture of someone whose 'will' is strong. That's why a strong-willed person sticks to their decisions and keeps going even when things are hard.