unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

unrulier; unruliest

: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed

an unruly crowd

a mane of unruly hair

unruliness noun

Synonyms

• balky
• contrary
• contumacious
• defiant
• disobedient
• froward
• incompliant
• insubordinate
• intractable
• obstreperous
• rebel
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• recusant
• refractory
• restive
• ungovernable
• untoward
• wayward
• willful
• wilful

Choose the Right Synonym for unruly

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong 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

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

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of unruly in a Sentence

unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up

Recent Examples on the Web

Donald Trump is giving the country another unruly moment to mark. —Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Chandler takes aim at brass knuckles, unruly parties in response to 'Goons' attacks Controversial Laveen development Gila Foothills moves forward with car dealers, hospital What's next for Chase Field? —The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024

Rose of Sharon blooms on new wood each year, so if the shape is a bit unruly or has gotten a bit too tall for the space or too close to a structure, by all means prune it now or by early May. —Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2024

In retrospect, the integer distance problem was waiting for mathematicians who were willing to consider more unruly curves than hyperbolas and then draw on recondite tools from algebraic geometry and number theory to tame them. —Quanta Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024

There was a 492% increase in unruly passenger incidents between 2020 and 2021, when there were 5,973 reported. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

But the show, which will mount its 54th edition this July, has its roots in the unruly youth culture of the 1960s and 70s. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

With his head in his hands, fingers scraping through the thick, unruly brown locks, and breath shuddering from the tight line of his lips. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 26 Mar. 2024

In addition, the unruly owl experienced exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides, DDE, a compound of chemicals that are used to kill rodents within New York City, the necropsy said. —USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

ˈən-

unrulier; unruliest

: not yielding easily to rule or restriction : uncontrollable

an unruly temper

an unruly horse