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Est. 1828
Thesaurus

Synonyms of out of hand

  • as in stubborn
  • as in stubborn
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out of hand

phrase

Definition of out of handnext
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others The mold growth had gotten completely out of hand.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
  • stubborn
  • difficult
  • willful
  • unruly
  • wayward
  • wild
  • unmanageable
  • untoward
  • refractory
  • uncontrollable
  • recalcitrant
  • ungovernable
  • intractable
  • rebellious
  • headstrong
  • contrary
  • naughty
  • froward
  • incontrollable
  • stiff
  • perverse
  • incorrigible
  • obstinate
  • obdurate
  • intransigent
  • uncontrolled
  • pigheaded
  • hardheaded
  • undisciplined
  • opinionated
  • unpunished
  • boisterous
  • bullheaded
  • mulish
  • irrepressible
  • rowdy
  • rambunctious
  • disobedient
  • insubordinate
  • indocile
  • self-willed
  • stiff-necked
  • misbehaving

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • manageable
  • controllable
  • tractable
  • obedient
  • docile
  • compliant
  • well-behaved
  • reasonable
  • submissive
  • accepting
  • willing
  • yielding
  • responsive
  • governable
  • pliable
  • receptive
  • temperate
  • placable
  • trainable
  • persuadable

Browse Nearby Words

out-of-doors
out of hand
out of humor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Out of hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/out%20of%20hand. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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