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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intractable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intractable are headstrong, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would headstrong be a good substitute for intractable?

The synonyms headstrong and intractable are sometimes interchangeable, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When is recalcitrant a more appropriate choice than intractable?

Although the words recalcitrant and intractable have much in common, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When can refractory be used instead of intractable?

While in some cases nearly identical to intractable, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

Where would ungovernable be a reasonable alternative to intractable?

The words ungovernable and intractable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others.

ungovernable rage

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of intractable?

The words unruly and intractable can be used in similar contexts, but unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When could willful be used to replace intractable?

The meanings of willful and intractable largely overlap; however, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intractable Californians are tired and angry about the seemingly intractable, unsheltered, street homelessness crisis. Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Beyond that, New York City’s tech sector has surpassed Austin at this point and can offer ways through some of the most intractable problems. Jamie Rubin, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 Quantum Boltzmann Machines, for example, could potentially be trained to learn distributions that are otherwise intractable for classical AI. Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 To bring this seemingly intractable fight to an end would require a solution that serves both sides’ interests, producing the affordable housing our city needs and saving this open space neighbors love. Randy Mastro, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intractable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intractable
Adjective
  • From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 July 2025
  • The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.
    Time, Time, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Florent, the restaurant, stayed open until 2008, when the rent became unmanageable; the building sold a few years later for $8.6 million.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 July 2025
  • The most common reasons revolve around work-life balance, a lack of support and an unmanageable workload.
    Drew Gerber, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • This version of it will be complex, with significant power wielded by the United States and China but with major roles for other players, including an increasingly autonomous Europe, a recalcitrant Russia, and an ever more powerful India.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Likewise, Elon Musk, one of the world's most effective transmitters of AGI hype, announced safety assurances that cleverly imply a willful or dangerous AI.
    Eric Siegel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Now the 20-year-old mother has been charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and two felony counts of willful cruelty to a child, according to court records.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Owners are increasingly savvy about distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable costs.
    Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • After doing so, Haley couldn't contain herself and broke out in uncontrollable laughter.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intractable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intractable. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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