1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in anarchical
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
unruly mobs roamed the streets of the capital after the government leaders had fled
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unruly
In 2024, the FAA has received over 1,800 reports of unruly passengers.
—
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
The eight-episode Season 1 of The Franchise followed the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
But Mayhem is about using music as archeology to excavate unruly parts of one’s own identity.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
And so will the unruly demands and desires that come with growing up, torqued by successes and failures.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
The eight-episode Season 1 of The Franchise followed the crew of an unloved franchise movie fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
But Mayhem is about using music as archeology to excavate unruly parts of one’s own identity.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
And so will the unruly demands and desires that come with growing up, torqued by successes and failures.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
Adjective
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Stefani’s style influences and stage presence have long catered to a rebellious punk-forward aesthetic.—
WWD Staff,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
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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
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Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Immigrant advocates on Monday sued the Trump administration over a rule requiring immigrants to register with the federal government or face criminal prosecution.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
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The security officers will not have authority to make arrests, conduct traffic stops or participate in criminal investigations, according to information shared with the Village Council.—
Jennifer Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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These fires and any new fires that ignite today can very quickly become uncontrollable.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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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
Adjective
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The narrative is equally layered, with a thriller’s bones, a satire’s glare, and a comeuppance story’s anarchic spirit.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
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Fragmented on normal days, the web bordered on anarchic Monday.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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