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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 It is meant to treat only people with refractory myeloma. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 23 Sep. 2024 Similar to refractory bricks, firebricks can store heat or insulate, depending on what they’re made from. New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for refractory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refractory
Adjective
  • The third book in the Luna Sisters series follows the journey to love for the youngest and most rebellious Luna sister, Gabriela.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (McGraw) is now 14, a rebellious teenager living under Gemma’s overprotective rules.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers were quick to point out the hilarity of the dog's stubborn protest, with many suggesting that the dachshund had already claimed permanent rights to the bed.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The stubborn myth that Jews are too safe to be targets is colliding with a painful new reality.
    Andrew Weinstein, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Offering a complete range of tailored clothing, leather jackets, footwear, and accessories, JV denotes the taste of high fashion with a rebel aesthetic.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The rebel run is the biggest of them all.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With Iranian power and influence waning, and with the challenges of an ascendant China and a recalcitrant Russia necessarily dominating the American national security agenda, indifference may appear to be the most appealing option for Washington.
    Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In that case, the Saudis would bring greater pressure to be on their recalcitrant partners.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • But to Hollywood, Pusser’s defiant story was irresistible.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • A day earlier, at his pre-match news conference, Pochettino sounded defensive and defiant.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The challenges have also stirred strong emotions, as advocates take two different approaches to solving what can seem like an intractable problem.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Shrewd dealmaker Anutin has been a mainstay in Thai politics throughout years of turmoil, positioning his Bhumjaithai party strategically between warring elites embroiled in an intractable power struggle and guaranteeing its place in a succession of coalition governments.
    Panarat Thepgumpanat, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The main risk is that these batteries can overheat and go into thermal runaway, a chain reaction that occurs when a lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state—resulting in extremely high temperature, smoke and, ultimately, a fire that is notoriously difficult to put out.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • See a doctor if your bumps do not improve with home care or if the itching is uncontrollable.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Of those, 81% prioritize paying for their kids over paying their debt, and nearly half say that their debt is unmanageable.
    Jana Pollack, Parents, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But the team has mitigated what would have been an unmanageable $180 million hit by rebalancing sourcing away from China, renegotiating vendor terms and optimizing freight.
    John Buckingham, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refractory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refractory. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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