1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the manager worried that the recalcitrant employee would try to undermine his authority
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2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a heart-to-heart talk with the recalcitrant youth revealed that he had a troubled life at home
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Recent Examples of recalcitrant
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
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
New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.
—Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025
For recalcitrant teams, Scherzer would also remove the runner who automatically starts each inning after the ninth in scoring position on second base, creating a significant handicap.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recalcitrant
Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
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
New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.
—Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025
For recalcitrant teams, Scherzer would also remove the runner who automatically starts each inning after the ninth in scoring position on second base, creating a significant handicap.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recalcitrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recalcitrant
Adjective
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From the start, Handy argues, the on-screen adventures in teen movies have been targeted to a double audience of rebellious teens and anxious adults.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2025
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In addition to provoking rebellious and impulsive actions, this unpredictable synergy can abruptly derail plans.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.—
Sal Recchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Serena became an integral part of the rebel movement to destroy Gilead.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
22 June 2025
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But on Friday, the beer maker said the situation had deteriorated further, and that armed personnel had taken control of its facilities in Bukavu and Goma - eastern Congo’s two biggest cities, now under rebel control - and nearby areas.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Growing up in close proximity to Los Angeles’s storied music venues was another intractable part of their youth.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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That’s what makes their fourth studio album, Lucius, almost defiant in its return to form.—
Marissa R. Moss,
Rolling Stone,
11 June 2025
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Asked about his potential exit at the weekend while on international duty for Germany, Ter Stegen was defiant.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The study found that women account for 3.4 percent of the construction labor force and 4 percent for industrial and refractory machinery mechanics.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2025
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While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes.—
Tribune Content Agency,
The Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And can answering that help to uncover some wayward finishers who could soon be about to click into a more clinical gear?—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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There is no giant screen to prevent wayward balls from flying onto the road.—
Noah Trister,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Commenters had a lot to say, and many of them highlighted an often uncontrollable difference between generations: financial insecurity.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
26 June 2025
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In both cases, the objective was to signal strength while minimizing the chance of escalation into uncontrollable conflict.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recalcitrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recalcitrant. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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