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

To pair the piece with Celine’s more tailored pieces like the trousers and blouse added a tonal contrast that still executed on its luxury aesthetic, though with a touch of rebellion.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
These layered styles exuded rebellion and were made famous around the globe by figures like Joan Jett.

— María Diez, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

The widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenagers is fueling defiance and angering some parents and teachers.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
The plotters could not stop the news of Yeltsin’s defiance from spreading, and the coup collapsed within three days.

— Seva Gunitsky, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 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

What readers are saying The comments express frustration and disappointment over the littering and disrespect shown by visitors to national parks, particularly Yellowstone.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
The board's vague message didn't point to specific administrators or specific instances of disrespect.

— Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrespect

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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 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contumacy

noun

Example Sentences

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