contumacious

adjective

ˌkän-tü-ˈmā-shəs How to pronounce contumacious (audio)
Definition of contumaciousnext
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control the judge threatened to charge the contumacious witness with contempt of court

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumacious
  1. rebellious
  2. rebel
  3. defiant
  4. willful
  5. stubborn
Adjective
  • Its central character, Missie, a rebellious young woman who joins military intelligence, was inspired by Sue, who died in 2023 at age 99.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Follow rebellious 16-year-old Holden Caufield to New York City in Catcher in the Rye, in a tale that will evoke both humor and empathy from readers in equal measure.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • The outbreak is unfolding in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, with rebel threats and intense population movements.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has increasingly embraced Sharaa, the former commander of al Qaeda’s Nusra Front who broke ties with the global jihadist network in 2016 and led the rebel coalition that overthrew Assad.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Bonta, appearing on CNBC Thursday, was defiant when asked about the mounting industry pressure to settle.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
  • There’s an almost defiant tone now, as if daring me to tell her to quit.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of defiant
Adjective
  • Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship may be revoked if it was illegally procured or obtained through the concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The emotional Moon moves through your 10th House of Career and squares the willful Sun in your 1st House of Identity.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • United’s struggle to break down stubborn defensive sides is a problem that predates Carrick.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This one features glycerin, stearic acid, and allantoin to help repair cracks and stubborn dry spots.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stubborn
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.

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controverts
contumacious
contumacy
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Cite this Entry

“Contumacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumacious. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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