CONTUMACY Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

contumacy

noun

kən-ˈtü-mə-sē

Definition of contumacy

as in rebellion

refusal to obey a rogue archbishop who was excommunicated on grounds of contumacy

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contumacy

Noun

It’s also brilliantly written as a futile, pathetic rebellion by men with zero agency or purpose in their own lives.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
In Fernández’s version, Antíkona’s insubordination inspires a peoples’ rebellion and brings an end to Klion’s rule due to his inability to treat citizens with common decency.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

Unlike under his family’s 54-year police state – where public defiance could mean prison, torture, disappearance or death – they were allowed to go home.

— Tala Alrajjal, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Her Easter Sunday performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 in front of 75,000 spectators remains a touchstone of defiance in an age of racial violence.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

From grandmother to grandchild, these three sets of two sisters were powerful characters possessed with passion, willfulness, bravery, and devotion to each other.

— Griffin Dunne, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

Definition of willfulness

Noun

After federal prosecutors and defense attorneys had presented all their evidence Tuesday, Morrow’s attorneys asked Orso to dismiss the three petty charges accusing her of obstruction, disruption and disobedience.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Another child said he was forced to carry out artillery strikes and beaten for disobedience.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of disobedience

Noun

Whether writing five decades ago or today, the genre’s most insightful commentators have always observed how punk fuses rebelliousness with commodification, capitalism with resistance.

— Kyle Devine, Longreads, 14 July 2026
Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.

— Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Definition of rebelliousness

Noun

The board's vague message didn't point to specific administrators or specific instances of disrespect.

— Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
No disrespect to the players themselves, Burns said, but Dallas showing that level of concern this close to the start of the season is noteworthy.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrespect

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

contumacious

contumacy

contumelious

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“Contumacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contumacy. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contumacy

noun

Example Sentences

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