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Synonyms

stiff-necked

American  
[stif-nekt] / ˈstɪfˈnɛkt /

adjective

  1. having a stiff neck; having torticollis.

  2. haughty and obstinate; refractory.

    Synonyms:
    pigheaded, willful, intractable, obstinate, stubborn

stiff-necked British  

adjective

  1. haughtily stubborn or obstinate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of stiff-necked

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I would argue that both governments have been excessively stiff-necked," Bunn says.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 31, 2017

But America has a proud history of stiff-necked heroes.

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2017

He's the stiff-necked marketing wizard she asks to "rebrand" her after an online humiliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2014

When Flack recalled Cornelius' stiff-necked delivery, the crowd of about 300 people laughed knowingly.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2012

"You stiff-necked fool," he mut-tered, "too proud to listen. Can you eat pride, Stark? Will honor shield your children?"

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

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