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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ungovernable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ungovernable are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," 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 could headstrong be used to replace ungovernable?

The words headstrong and ungovernable can be used in similar contexts, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of ungovernable?

The meanings of intractable and ungovernable largely overlap; however, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

In what contexts can recalcitrant take the place of ungovernable?

The words recalcitrant and ungovernable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When is refractory a more appropriate choice than ungovernable?

In some situations, the words refractory and ungovernable are roughly equivalent. However, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of ungovernable?

Although the words unruly and ungovernable have much in common, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would willful be a good substitute for ungovernable?

While in some cases nearly identical to ungovernable, 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 ungovernable The colonial government’s fear of ungovernable Black people still lingered, however. Sasha C. Wells / Made By History, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024 In its editorial, Automotive News said Stellantis might be ungovernable but was certainly in need of a major overhaul. Neil Winton, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 But even Jewish-Jewish coalitions have proved ungovernable. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 The many examples of personal incompetence in rich industrial democracies generated the thesis that such countries had become ungovernable. Harold James, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021 See All Example Sentences for ungovernable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungovernable
Adjective
  • Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.
    Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • By systematically reviewing and understanding the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, informed decisions that align with financial goals can be made, setting the stage for the future.
    Ira Walker, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lamar Johnson’s Henry Burrell was a collaborator on the run from a rebel group different from The Fireflies in Kansas City, where the QZ and all FEDRA presence had been dissolved.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The mutually beneficial alliance between Tehran and Damascus ended abruptly in December, after an anti-Assad coalition led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) carried out a lightning march on Damascus, taking the capital without meeting serious resistance.
    Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These expenses, which lead to unmanageable debt, can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and car repairs.
    Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know Trump has remained defiant despite mounting fears of recession and a plunging stock market.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One intractable problem with racial classifications was that the differences in human physical traits were tiny, so scientists struggled to use them to differentiate between groups.
    John P. Jackson, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • To cement his legacy, however, and for a grand strategy to materialize, the country and its national security leaders will need to overcome some fundamental and maybe intractable contradictions.
    Mick Krever, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The movie has sparked a social media trend where audience members post videos of the crowd going wild during certain scenes, so much so that movie theaters have warned against unruly behavior and in some cases have notified the police.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Our spring cleaning storefront has organizational staples for tackling unruly drawers, closets, and pantries.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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