very stubborn crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "very stubborn" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "very stubborn crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RIGID: Not easily bent or changed; stiff and unyielding, often implying a stubborn mindset.
6 Letters
MULISH: Resembling a mule in being stubborn or obstinate; known for its unyielding nature.
7 Letters
ADAMANT: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; extremely firm in opinion or purpose.
8 Letters
OBDURATE: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action; unyielding and resistant to persuasion.
9 Letters
OBSTINATE: Very stubborn, refusing to change one's mind or course of action, despite persuasion or difficulty. Often implies an unreasonable degree of firmness.
10 Letters
HEADSTRONG: Self-willed and obstinate; determined to do things one's own way, regardless of advice or consequences.
More About "very stubborn crossword clue"
The clue "very stubborn" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often leading solvers to a range of synonymous answers. The key to solving such clues lies in recognizing the different nuances of "stubbornness" that various words convey. For instance, while "rigid" implies an unyielding physical or mental state, "mulish" draws a direct comparison to an animal known for its stubbornness, and "adamant" emphasizes an unwavering conviction.
Crossword setters love using words like these because they have clear, direct meanings that fit well into a grid, but also allow for a degree of challenge by having multiple possible answers depending on the required letter count. Being familiar with this family of words—from the common to the more obscure—is a significant advantage for any crossword enthusiast.
Understanding the precise connotations can sometimes help differentiate between answers when you have intersecting letters. For example, if the clue implies a moral or principled stubbornness, "adamant" might be a better fit than "pigheaded," which suggests an unreasonable stubbornness. Always consider the subtle hints within the clue itself.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Before you even think of a word, check the number of blanks in the grid. This immediately narrows down your options significantly for clues like "very stubborn."
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For "very stubborn," list all synonyms that come to mind: unyielding, firm, resolute, obstinate, determined, fixed, rigid, mulish, adamant, intractable, pigheaded, tenacious, persistent. Sometimes, even thinking of antonyms (flexible, yielding) can spark ideas.
- Look for Common Crossword "Tells": Some clues might be followed by "perhaps" or "in a way," suggesting a less direct or more figurative answer. Also, note if the clue is capitalized, which could indicate a proper noun, though less likely for "very stubborn."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is often the most powerful way to confirm or eliminate potential "stubborn" answers. If you have an 'A' in the third position and need a 7-letter word, "ADAMANT" becomes a strong candidate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to find a "very stubborn" crossword answer?
Start by considering synonyms for "stubborn" and "unyielding," then check their lengths against the puzzle's requirements. Words like ADAMANT, OBSTINATE, and MULISH are common solutions for this type of clue.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "stubborn" words in crosswords?
While not universal, words related to being stubborn often use Latin roots (e.g., "ob-" as in obstinate or obdurate, "dur-" implying hardiness). Looking for these patterns can sometimes provide helpful hints, especially when combined with known letter lengths.
What if none of the common "stubborn" synonyms fit the clue's length?
Expand your thinking to include phrases or more nuanced interpretations. Sometimes the clue hints at a characteristic of a stubborn person (e.g., "unyielding," "inflexible," "dogged"), or a less direct synonym. Always check surrounding letters in the grid for additional clues.