Synonyms of recalcitrant

recalcitrant

adjective

ri-ˈkal-sə-trənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn
• intractable
• refractory
• obstreperous
• wayward
• disobedient
• willful
• insubordinate
• unruly
• balky
• contumacious
• contrary
• dogged
• naughty
• rigid
• restive
• mischievous
• adamant
• ungovernable
• dissident
• uncooperative
• incompliant
• unrelenting
• insurgent
• untoward
• resistant
• froward
• uncontrollable
• rude
• wild
• recusant
• bad
• obstinate
• obdurate
• mutinous
• noncooperative
• mulish
• implacable
• unmanageable
• fractious
• peevish
• unbending
• uncompromising
• pertinacious
• immovable
• inflexible
• negativistic
• hardheaded
• opinionated
• headstrong
• unyielding
• monkeying
• errant
• pigheaded
• wrongheaded
• adamantine
• disorderly
• ornery
• disrespectful
• insolent
• perverse
• impudent
• undisciplined
• self-willed
• discourteous
• ungracious
• nonconformist
• uncouth
• misbehaving
• impertinent
• uncivil
• inconsiderate
• impolite
• unmannerly
• ill-mannered
• monkeyish
• ill-natured
• ill-bred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obedient
• cooperative
• docile
• amenable
• compliant
• tractable
• submissive
• amiable
• acquiescent
• deferential
• conformable
• agreeable
• biddable
• yielding
• behaved
• obliging
• polite
• disciplined
• courteous
• respectful
• well-bred
• servile
• obsequious
• subservient
• ruly
• slavish
• proper
• orderly
• manageable
• controllable
• decorous
• mannerly
• trainable
• kowtowing
• governable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective recalcitrant differ from other similar words?

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

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When is headstrong a more appropriate choice than recalcitrant?

The words headstrong and recalcitrant can be used in similar contexts, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When might intractable be a better fit than recalcitrant?

While the synonyms intractable and recalcitrant are close in meaning, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When could refractory be used to replace recalcitrant?

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

special schools for refractory children

Where would ungovernable be a reasonable alternative to recalcitrant?

Although the words ungovernable and recalcitrant have much in common, 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

In what contexts can unruly take the place of recalcitrant?

The words unruly and recalcitrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would willful be a good substitute for recalcitrant?

The synonyms willful and recalcitrant are sometimes interchangeable, but willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of recalcitrant

Initially blocked by recalcitrant Democratic members of the House, the legislation was reintroduced during a lame-duck session following the 2024 election. — Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Yet even a recalcitrant Pretoria is mulling changes to telecom laws that could eventually clear a path for the company. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026

Cue a mordantly absurd scene where his chance to land a position in the administration hinges on him successfully retrieving a precious package from a muddy field behind enemy lines, which turns out to be a damp and recalcitrant cat. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 May 2026

Pritzker recently proposed a much more far-reaching set of bills that combine carrots and sticks to deal with recalcitrant municipalities. — Michael Schill, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026

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