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
Adjective
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The print feels preppy, aspirational, and rebellious all at once.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
22 May 2026 -
Quentin Bisch created both Cuir 1976, blending textured leather with the velvety softness of marron glacé, and Musc Terrible, which nods to the founder’s nickname and rebellious spirit by balancing an amber and spicy musk with powdery vanilla and top notes of cinnamon and pink pepper.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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As a result, the outbreak in Congo is being managed by the government and in part by rebel authorities, with an array of aid agencies also helping.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 May 2026
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Everyone knew of Howe’s bravery against rebel bullets at the Battle of Bunker Hill.—
Nick Bunker,
Washington Post,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s defiant bid to face down a rebellion left his future in the balance Wednesday, but that wasn’t going to stop the United Kingdom playing dress-up for the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
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Plum is braless, her vest open to reveal a shimmery pile of silver chains, her abs on defiant display.—
Jade Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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He was also booked on fresh charges of felony vandalism, battery against a former dating partner and willful disobedience of a court order.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
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Under current Kansas law, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images Are Americans finally starting to feel the strain of soaring gas prices and stubborn inflation?—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
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Treasury yields have gone up in recent months as stubborn inflation reduces the likelihood of Fed rate cuts, Pisula notes, while geopolitical tensions add more long-term risk to rates.—
Tim Maxwell,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Contumacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumacious. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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