1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
refractory players will be ejected from the game
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
believing that rules are only for other people, he's been refractory virtually his entire life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refractory
This current study extends the successful results previously published on the virus-free preparation of CD19-specific CAR T-cells against refractory B cell malignancies utilizing Applied DNA's Linea™ DNA.
—
Kansas City Star, 13 May 2024
Marinus Pharmaceuticals said an experimental treatment for refractory status epilepticus failed to meet early stopping criteria for a Phase 3 study.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 15 Apr. 2024
All of the children had rare, relapsed or refractory cancers and were running out of treatment options.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024
Many of those patients were able to receive a potentially curative stem cell transplant later on, which is often the ultimate goal for patients with relapsed or refractory patients.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 13 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for refractory
Kansas City Star, 13 May 2024
Marinus Pharmaceuticals said an experimental treatment for refractory status epilepticus failed to meet early stopping criteria for a Phase 3 study.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 15 Apr. 2024
All of the children had rare, relapsed or refractory cancers and were running out of treatment options.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024
Many of those patients were able to receive a potentially curative stem cell transplant later on, which is often the ultimate goal for patients with relapsed or refractory patients.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 13 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for refractory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refractory
Adjective
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Inspired by 1953’s The Wild One starring Marlon Brando, the song and video captures the rebellious spirit of the cult classic, with scenes of a motorcycle being driven on an open road and birds in flight.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
4 June 2025
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Many historians estimate that at least 15 to 20 percent of the population remained loyal to the crown, some even taking up arms against their rebellious neighbors and fighting alongside the British.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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United needed to play perfect football to unlock a stubborn defence, but struggled to push past competency.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Jet fuel rolled down the street and the smell of it lingered in the air while authorities worked to extinguish one stubborn car fire that sent smoke billowing up.—
John Hanna,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Here romantic passion combines with revolution in a historical fiction sure to light up readers’ rebel hearts.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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Then, the detainees were executed, dressed in rebel uniforms, and reported as combat kills with many buried in anonymous graves in cemeteries.—
John Otis,
NPR,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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In response, these recalcitrant members of Congress simply refused to adopt must-pass federal reapportionment legislation.—
Made by History,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
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Among Congressional Republicans, Paul has been more recalcitrant than most.—
Eric Cortellessa,
TIME,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Kim Kardashian made a defiant walk into Paris' Palace of Justice in May, to face the criminals who held the reality star at gunpoint and robbed in 2016.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
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In an era defined by digital speed, algorithmic curation, and disposable listening, Gearbox Records has carved out a defiant space for intentionality, sonic depth, and analog fidelity.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The issue of a ceasefire is where the intractable differences are clearest.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
16 May 2025
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Unemployment fueling instability While African political campaigns often make note of persistently high rates of youth unemployment, the policy priorities of governments across the continent have seemingly failed to fix this intractable problem.—
Richard Aidoo,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His uncontrollable emotions led to misbehavior at Liberty High School, and Charles was moved to the Department of Youth Services in a residential treatment program to correct his behavior.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2025
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Rap is banned in Iran due to its critical content, its uncontrollable means of distribution, and its direct opposition to the regime’s official values, including the rejection of religious and ideological themes.—
Ali Farahmand,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Suddenly, all their various projects seemed unmanageable.—
Jayson Greene,
Vulture,
30 May 2025
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What To Know New data from Experian revealed that Gen X and millennials were far more likely to have unmanageable debt than other generations.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refractory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refractory. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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