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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intractable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intractable are headstrong, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would headstrong be a good substitute for intractable?

The synonyms headstrong and intractable are sometimes interchangeable, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When is recalcitrant a more appropriate choice than intractable?

Although the words recalcitrant and intractable have much in common, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When can refractory be used instead of intractable?

While in some cases nearly identical to intractable, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

Where would ungovernable be a reasonable alternative to intractable?

The words ungovernable and intractable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of intractable?

The words unruly and intractable can be used in similar contexts, but unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When could willful be used to replace intractable?

The meanings of willful and intractable largely overlap; however, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intractable Some things in a difficult job can be resolved or eased, while others will be intractable. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025 Ancient divisions among the Canucks’ core resurfaced and proved intractable. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 In Lawrence Wright’s new thriller, an Arab American F.B.I. agent and an Israeli cop take on an intractable conflict. Olivia Waite, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 Trump views Gaza as a real estate opportunity The Israeli Palestinian conflict has been one of the Middle East’s most intractable problems. Lex Harvey, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intractable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intractable
Adjective
  • Stefani’s style influences and stage presence have long catered to a rebellious punk-forward aesthetic.
    WWD Staff, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Still retaining the playful, rebellious connotations of the first M.A.D. Editions, the new M.A.D. 2 has another spirit. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Roberta Naas, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Her character evolves throughout the series from a superficial adherent to the Capitol’s cruel system to a rebel sympathizer who comes to care deeply for Katniss and Peeta, representing the potential for change even among those benefiting from oppression. 10.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In January, the conflict sharply escalated, as Rwandan troops and their M23 rebel allies took control of Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo.
    Jason K. Stearns, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The federal government, with its millions of employees, has ballooned into an unmanageable monstrosity, consuming trillions of taxpayer dollars while failing at even the most basic functions.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • When the herd grew unmanageable, Mexican-Spanish vaqueros (cowboys) were brought in from California to teach locals how to rope and herd cattle.
    Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.
    Kareem Khadder, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.
    Zachary Basu, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • During his first term, Trump’s unconventional diplomacy with another recalcitrant nuclear power, North Korea, ultimately went nowhere, and overall his administration achieved few notable breakthroughs in dealing with adversarial powers.
    Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Bismarck had a reputation as a wily man who could potentially bring the recalcitrant Lower House to heel.
    Christine Adams / Made by History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The distinction between willful and non-willful noncompliance is crucial because willful violations carry substantially higher penalties and potential criminal liability.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Teixeira pleaded guilty last March to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act, following his arrest in the most consequential national security breach in years.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These fires and any new fires that ignite today can very quickly become uncontrollable.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a disorder where people have uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or repetitive behaviors, or both.
    Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intractable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intractable. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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