NONCOOPERATIVE Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

noncooperative

adjective

Definition of noncooperative

as in uncooperative

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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 noncooperative The European Space Agency’s ClearSpace-1, planned for 2029, tackles the harder case by capturing the unprepared, noncooperative Proba-1 satellite and dragging it down to burn up. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 Dolphins that partnered with fishers also experienced a 13 percent boost in survival, compared with noncooperative ones, most likely because of the animals spending the majority of their time in the lagoon. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2023 The disclosures would also extend to activities in jurisdictions that are on the EU’s list of noncooperative jurisdictions. — Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Cooperative birds' cheating rate averaged around 12 percent, while noncooperative birds around 23 percent. — Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2010

Recent Examples of Synonyms for noncooperative

Adjective

This is great news for keeping space clear of junk and extending satellites’ lifetimes—unless China turns that ability to get close to an uncooperative satellite into a military strategy.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Deputies said both parents were uncooperative on scene, which led to their arrest and booking into the Osceola County jail.

— Felix Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncooperative

Adjective

Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
In their recalcitrant way, the balance tips more toward the sentimental than the cynical.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

Maybe that’s because these challenging and seemingly intractable problems are usually treated as separate crises requiring separate solutions.

— Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
That dream faces numerous — possibly intractable — engineering challenges.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of intractable

Adjective

Conduct disorder affects children and teens and involves a consistent pattern of disobedient and aggressive behaviors.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 21 May 2026
Rising gas prices and an unpopular war in Iran have infuriated prominent MAGA figures online, but in terms of GOP elections, the president has been able to elbow out critics in Congress and disobedient legislators in red states.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026

Definition of disobedient

Adjective

The song sets the tone for an album that the pair describe as both hopeful and defiant, with songs addressing love, loss and injustice.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026
This was especially defiant as Zegler’s co-star in the Disney film was Gal Gadot, who served in the Israeli army and has continued to voice support for her home country.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of defiant

Adjective

And only DeMichelle’s Marguerite has the necessary command to bring this obstreperous monarch to heel.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people.

— Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Definition of obstreperous

Adjective

Crafted with a classic fit, the leather jacket added unexpected tensions to Watts’s Q&A attire, a contrasting piece that incorporated a rebellious and youthful energy.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
The duo leaned all the way into the era’s punk-rock aesthetic, serving the kind of rebellious, perfectly undone style that practically defined the early aughts.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

In addition to traditional advertising and marketing, out-of-the-box creative strategies and unconventional endeavors are at the core of his mission to get that word out that the once-wayward brand is back.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Scott was unable to recover from a wayward tee shot that left him pinned behind a tree, leaving just Florjancic and McConnell competing for the individual title heading into the second playoff hole, which was the first green at Thunderhawk.

— Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of wayward

Browse Nearby Words

noncooperation

noncooperative

noncorrosive

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“Noncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noncooperative. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of noncooperative

adjective

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