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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 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 Waymo’s lovable and ungovernable driverless taxis aren’t playing by the rules again in San Francisco. Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 30 Apr. 2024 Large areas of the north and east of Burkina Faso have become ungovernable since 2018. Nimi Princewill, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ungovernable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungovernable
Adjective
  • The proposals infuriated members of the Freedom Caucus, many of whom had engaged in those kind of rebellious actions over the past two years.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, adds a sense of responsibility while rebellious Uranus, the planet of innovation and change, inspires this Air sign to think outside the box and embrace individual freedom.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Celebrities such as Tina Knowles and Jhené Aiko have shared total losses due to the uncontrollable flames.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Despite a long and uncontrollable process of detaching herself from family, friends, and even her husband, she was told by doctors that everything was fine.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The brand thrives on a rebel heart, embracing individuality, audacity, and the freedom to exist beyond conventional boundaries.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Lower shows how the same drive that manifests as ruthlessness in outie Helena becomes rebel fierceness in innie Helly.
    James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also there to help is Alonso, whom Rowan has dispatched to pick up the unmanageable Evelyn, with instructions to tell her Cortland is definitely for sure 100 percent not at the house.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
  • And the disaster has exposed holes in the region's preparations to reduce the chances of fires getting so unmanageable and to keep communities safer.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the former Fox News host struck a defiant tone as support for his confirmation appeared to be in doubt and Mr. Trump stood behind his pick.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • In hindsight the music was invincible: defiant, purposeful, rightfully confident in its breakthroughs.
    Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Coaches will tell you of a character who could be grumpy or stubborn, but also of someone who needed faith shown in him.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Thanks to its impressive staying power, this eyeliner can be a bit stubborn to remove.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Solve previously intractable problems, such as hyper-personalizing real-time customer experiences.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The most intractable questions have also been the most critical: Who will pay for what, and whether the treaty will set mandatory production caps or allow countries to set and abide by their own voluntary targets.
    Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The teachers, principal and custodian work together to educate unruly kids while navigating the challenges of an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The Omaha Police Department eventually set up surveillance outside the home to keep a close eye on the unruly guests, according to the local outlet.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ungovernable

Cite this Entry

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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