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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unruly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unruly are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would headstrong be a good substitute for unruly?

While the synonyms headstrong and unruly are close in meaning, headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Where would intractable be a reasonable alternative to unruly?

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

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When can recalcitrant be used instead of unruly?

While in some cases nearly identical to unruly, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

In what contexts can refractory take the place of unruly?

The words refractory and unruly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use ungovernable instead of unruly?

The words ungovernable and unruly can be used in similar contexts, but 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 willful a more appropriate choice than unruly?

In some situations, the words willful and unruly are roughly equivalent. 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 unruly Driving the news: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden experts will teach residents how to reduce lawn maintenance with plant clover, sedges, and other tidy ground covers that still support pollinators — minus the unruly chaos. Jason Clayworth, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 The Friend functions perfectly well as a dog picture, a movie about a frazzled single woman learning to care for a gentle but unruly animal in the big, bad city. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 Cops have unmasked some of the unruly mob at a crazed Queens car meetup that left three NYPD vehicles vandalized, police said Friday. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025 While reports of unruly riding is citywide, one area that has seen a lot of issues is in the Top of the World neighborhood, near the trailhead for the Woods Canyon Wilderness Park, officials said. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The criminal search warrant centered on Old McDonald's Farm, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to NPR.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
  • According to a criminal complaint, two Deputy U.S. Marshals who protected Kavanaugh's Maryland home observed Roske arriving at the front of the residence on June 8, 2022, at about 1:05 a.m.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 9 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • Not that the ostensibly placid 1950s that preceded the anarchic ’60s were nirvana in New York’s Theater District.
    Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Its table of contents alone is more happily anarchic than most books in their entireties.
    Dwight Garner, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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