CONTUMACIOUS Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

contumacious

adjective

ˌkän-tü-ˈmā-shəs

Definition of contumacious

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control the judge threatened to charge the contumacious witness with contempt of court

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumacious

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

Under the Obama administration, an international coalition targeting the Libyan regime of Moammar Qadafi during the country’s 2011 civil war struck his fleeing convoy, leading to his capture and killing by rebel fighters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Assad was forced to flee the country after government forces collapsed in the face of a surprise offensive launched by a coalition of rebel groups, led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 7 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

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controverts

contumacious

contumacy

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“Contumacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumacious. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of contumacious

adjective

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