as in rebellion
refusal to obey
the dog's frustrating intractability forced the family to try obedience training by a professional
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
an intractable child who deliberately does the opposite of whatever he is told
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
cats are by nature fairly intractable animals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intractability
John A. Crotty, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
The test has long seemed intractable to major AI companies.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
By the end of the 19th century, when America’s western frontier was largely settled, this was America’s last wilderness: difficult, intractable, dangerous.
—Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intractability
Adjective
New York City’s affordable housing crisis frequently feels intractable.
—John A. Crotty, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
The test has long seemed intractable to major AI companies.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
By the end of the 19th century, when America’s western frontier was largely settled, this was America’s last wilderness: difficult, intractable, dangerous.
—Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intractability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intractability
Noun
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For the dandy, fashion was a vehicle for both self-expression and a subtle form of rebellion against societal norms.—
Ty Gaskins,
Vogue,
29 Apr. 2025
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The seeds of rebellion continue to be planted, with multiple storylines weaving together in tense standoffs that will keep both imperials and agitators on edge.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Lesser powers that find themselves under the dominion of a great power against their wishes can be resentful and rebellious.—
Margaret MacMillan,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
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In 1978, an ambitious and rebellious young woman, Marina Bulgari, decamped from her family business to branch out with her own jewelry brand.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country's stubborn red-blue divide USA TODAY Texas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Even though the Administration admitted to deporting Abrego Garcia by mistake, Trump is refusing to take any steps to bring him back, in open defiance of the Supreme Court and other federal court rulings.—
Kica Matos,
Time,
2 May 2025
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Barragan said he was shaped by his upbringing in the Kern County town of Delano, where his family was active in the United Farm Workers movement that staged marches, boycotts and strikes in defiance of powerful Central Valley growers in the 1960s and ‘70s.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The president's remarks note a stark difference in recent comments he's made toward the rebel group.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
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This week, rebel assassin Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu) was accidentally shot by a Ghorman revolutionary during a routine attack on an Imperial transport ship.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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And for many, this is when therapy enters the picture — not as a proactive choice, but as a last resort when emotional overwhelm becomes unmanageable.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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These expenses, which lead to unmanageable debt, can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and car repairs.—
Víctor Rosario,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But beneath Pakistan’s drumbeat of defiant declarations as tensions erupt with India, a weary Pakistani public sees war as the last thing the country needs.—
Salman Masood,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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The April data marks a setback for Beijing, as top leaders strive to maintain a defiant and confident posture amid Trump’s trade war.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While the markets have not responded kindly, the White House insists the tariffs are bringing recalcitrant nations to the bargaining table.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
20 Apr. 2025
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Traditionally, military pressure has influenced the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recalcitrant and anti-American leaders to make concessions.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intractability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intractability. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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