Meaning & use
obstreperous
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Meanings
adjectivecomparableformaldisapproving
noisy, unruly, and hard to control, especially when resisting authority
Grammar: Used before a noun or after linking verbs like 'be' or 'become'; can be graded with 'more' and 'most'.
Patterns
- an obstreperous child
- obstreperous behavior
- become obstreperous
The obstreperous crowd refused to leave the hall.
He was sent out of class for obstreperous behavior.
The obstreperous fans shouted throughout the entire match.
adjectivecomparableformaldisapproving
stubbornly defiant and difficult to manage or discipline
Grammar: Focuses on resistance to control rather than just noise; often describes people or groups.
Patterns
- an obstreperous teenager
- obstreperous resistance
- grow obstreperous
The obstreperous committee members blocked every proposal.
Her obstreperous attitude made negotiations difficult.
The students grew obstreperous when the rules were tightened.
Word forms
| comparative | more obstreperous |
|---|---|
| superlative | most obstreperous |
Common combinations
- obstreperous behavior
- The teacher had never seen such obstreperous behavior.
- an obstreperous crowd
- Police struggled to control the obstreperous crowd.
- obstreperous child
- The obstreperous child would not sit still.
- grow obstreperous
- The audience grew obstreperous as the delay continued.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rowdy
- Rowdy means noisy and disorderly but does not necessarily imply resisting authority; obstreperous is stronger and more formal.
- unruly
- Unruly means hard to control, often of children or hair; obstreperous adds a sense of loud defiance.
- defiant
- Defiant focuses on open refusal to obey, while obstreperous emphasizes noisy unruliness as well.
Opposites
Word family
- obstreperously adverb
- In a noisy, unruly manner.
- obstreperousness noun
- The quality of being noisy and difficult to control.
Commonly confused: obstreperous or obstinate? obstreperous or obstruction?
obstreperous vs obstinate
Obstinate means stubbornly refusing to change one's mind; obstreperous means noisy and unruly, often resisting authority.
obstreperous vs obstruction
Obstruction is a noun meaning a blockage or the act of blocking; obstreperous is an adjective describing behavior.
Practice
The ______ students kept shouting and would not follow any instructions.
Choose one answer.
Obstreperous means noisy and unruly, which fits the shouting and refusal to follow instructions. Obstinate means stubborn, obstructive means blocking progress, and obsequious means too eager to please.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “obstreperous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.