as in stubborn
not willing to do what someone wants or asks for; not cooperative
uncooperative children an uncooperative witness
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Recent Examples of uncooperative
Before the exam began, Booker's attorney, Robbie Lang, told the court that he was told by jail officers — and personally saw his client — who was uncooperative with dressing in his jail uniform, with the only thing covering some of his body being some type of blanket.
—
Christina Hall, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
The two agents eventually find the victims’ murdered bodies and apprehend the Ku Klux Klan killers after Anderson persuades Ward to discard his high-road rule book in dealing with uncooperative local white folks.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025
Several witnesses on scene were uncooperative and gave limited testimony, police said.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
This image was a bit challenging to capture, due to uncooperative weather and the fact that the Orion constellation was beginning to set early along the western horizon.
—Miguel Claro, Space.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncooperative
Christina Hall, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
The two agents eventually find the victims’ murdered bodies and apprehend the Ku Klux Klan killers after Anderson persuades Ward to discard his high-road rule book in dealing with uncooperative local white folks.
—George Skelton, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025
Several witnesses on scene were uncooperative and gave limited testimony, police said.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
This image was a bit challenging to capture, due to uncooperative weather and the fact that the Orion constellation was beginning to set early along the western horizon.
—Miguel Claro, Space.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncooperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncooperative
Adjective
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Of all the bad-hair-day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
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Spills can be blotted (never rubbed) with a dry cloth since the fabric is non-absorptive, and for more stubborn stains, dry cleaning is recommended.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The result is a book of willful delirium, one that deconstructs its own narrative.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
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Huger was ultimately charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The trio – who had never appeared together in public before – formed the defiant face of an emerging bloc of illiberal leaders determined to push back against Western rules and tilt the global balance of power in their favor.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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While Massie remains defiant, the episode highlights how Trump’s threats alone can destabilize even entrenched incumbents.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Beyond Venezuelan incompetence, American pressure and fears of uncontrollable escalation may be driving Chinese caution.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Unlike the original Izo, Didi is described as an unpredictable and uncontrollable gang leader who has isolated others that are part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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In that case, the Saudis would bring greater pressure to be on their recalcitrant partners.—
Michael Lynch,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncooperative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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