UNRULY Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unruly

adjective

ˌən-ˈrü-lē

Definition of unruly next

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. —

CBS News, 14 Jan. 2025 His main task was to protect the island’s habitat from unruly tourists, who are allowed only on certain paths, part of an effort by Italy’s environment ministry to protect the rare pink sand. —

Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 The footage of the fan evading security before falling to the ground reinforced Philly fans’ reputation for being unruly and obnoxious. —

Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025 Republicans are preparing to cut taxes, slash spending and slow immigration in a broad agenda that will require unifying an unruly party behind dozens of complicated policy choices. —

Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unruly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly

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