1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
he was too stiff-necked to admit that "underlings" might have useful ideas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
her dinner parties are typically stiff-necked affairs, more to be endured than enjoyed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
obviously uninterested in hearing any excuses, the stiff-necked officer handed me my speeding ticket with a flourish
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stiff-necked
But some Jews stubbornly refused to assimilate and continued the sometimes strange and stiff-necked traditions of our people.
—
TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
TIME, 11 Dec. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stiff-necked
Adjective
-
The series has devolved into a hysteria that the young and arrogant Timberwolves feed on since that first quarter of Game 2.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
However, many thought Tilson Thomas too brash and arrogant to lead an orchestra, and, around the same time, Tilson Thomas fell in with New York’s disco-hopping crowd.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The dress code was white tie—known as the most formal dress code in the United States.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities say a homicide investigation that began in 1973 has now been brought to a formal close, more than a half-century after a woman was found dead in a Northern Virginia state forest.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Jared Speight is a stubborn titan of Long Island abstraction when star writer Roxy Margaux first becomes infatuated with his bravado.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
-
For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps remove the stubborn pollen film that builds up over spring months.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If tracking and the dizzying pace of advance ticket sales are correct, 20th Century’s Prada 2 will earn nearly $200 million in its global debut alone.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
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If Tenev’s predictions are correct, though, crypto is likely to contribute to Robinhood’s growth in a significant but different manner.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The characters can be flawed, and cars can crash, McDermott says, but NASCAR wanted race scenes to look authentic and was adamant that the series not depict anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
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Warsh would take the chairmanship at a complicated time, given that a spike in gas prices could keep the central bank from lowering interest rates — a move that Trump has been adamant on.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Beat with a mixer on medium just until medium-stiff peaks form, 3 minutes.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
-
New donation disclosures submitted this week also show incumbent Councilmember Henry Foster surging in fundraising in District 4, while incumbent Councilmember Kent Lee might face a stiffer challenge in District 6 than expected.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Five is nice, but 17 straight is a dynasty unparalleled in City Section history.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Just the shops and the overall setting is really nice.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
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While it’s meant to be a solemn moment, was that uncomfortable for you as a comedian?—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stiff-necked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stiff-necked. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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