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
  • The inspiration behind this rock-and-roll icon, however, lies in Hindu spiritual symbolism, whose meanings contrast sharply with the rebellious image the logo projects.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
  • Judy Davis stars as Sybylla, a rebellious young woman in 19th century Australia who longs to be a writer, but her traditionalist parents refuse to indulge those dreams, sending her to board with her wealthy grandmother instead.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Earlier this week, the rebel group also threatened to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 July 2026
  • Some communities at its epicenter also remain difficult to reach, mainly because of fighting involving rebel groups.
    — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Her music accordingly pares down the signature elements of a genre in which reckless abandon and defiant self-expression have long been central.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • The streak did not continue in 2025, but the season turned out to be a more defiant refutation of the caution against rookie tight ends.
    — John Riker, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of defiant
Adjective
  • While some households may have tax debts due to willful negligence, others may accrue large unpaid balances for innocent reasons and don’t have the money to repay, experts said.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • In the case of a willful failure to comply with the law, the company can be liable for actual or statutory damages and punitive damages.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • Backed by water tankers and a helicopter, firefighters on Sunday fought to contain a stubborn wildfire in Northern California that prompted officials to order evacuations.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
  • Individual quality and a moment of magic can often be the key to unlock a stubborn defence, and Vinicius Jr has frequently been the difference for Madrid.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 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.

Browse Nearby Words

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 29 Jul. 2026.

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