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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective refractory differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of refractory are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When can headstrong be used instead of refractory?

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

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Where would intractable be a reasonable alternative to refractory?

While in some cases nearly identical to refractory, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would recalcitrant be a good substitute for refractory?

Although the words recalcitrant and refractory have much in common, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

In what contexts can ungovernable take the place of refractory?

The meanings of ungovernable and refractory largely overlap; however, 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

When is unruly a more appropriate choice than refractory?

The synonyms unruly and refractory are sometimes interchangeable, but unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When could willful be used to replace refractory?

The words willful and refractory are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

Example Sentences

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refractory
Adjective
  • From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.
    Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025
  • The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • This version of it will be complex, with significant power wielded by the United States and China but with major roles for other players, including an increasingly autonomous Europe, a recalcitrant Russia, and an ever more powerful India.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.
    Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor’s race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic.
    Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Californians are tired and angry about the seemingly intractable, unsheltered, street homelessness crisis.
    Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Beyond that, New York City’s tech sector has surpassed Austin at this point and can offer ways through some of the most intractable problems.
    Jamie Rubin, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Manual tracking is error-prone and becomes unmanageable as the company grows.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The sateen shell kept cool, and the weight and thickness of this insert were ideal and not too unwieldy, too fluffy or unmanageable.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refractory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refractory. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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