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
Her mom was a huge challenge — uncooperative, unsupportive, critical.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
The researchers argued that by displacing fish that were not contributing effectively, the octopuses were likely able to reduce competition or disincentivize uncooperative behavior.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
February’s planning could come apart, and someone could be uncooperative, which could challenge your confidence.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
February’s planning could come apart — someone could be uncooperative which could challenge your confidence.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncooperative
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
The researchers argued that by displacing fish that were not contributing effectively, the octopuses were likely able to reduce competition or disincentivize uncooperative behavior.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
February’s planning could come apart, and someone could be uncooperative, which could challenge your confidence.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
February’s planning could come apart — someone could be uncooperative which could challenge your confidence.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncooperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncooperative
Adjective
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Early connections should feel easier as affectionate Venus forms a supportive sextile with intense Pluto, encouraging us to handle stubborn issues with honest talks and practical teamwork.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
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Spend less time focusing on prep and cleaning and more time focusing on the food with our favorite kitchen tools, which can make poached eggs in minutes, reseal bags of ingredients, open stubborn jars, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Attorney David Lira, 65, Girardi’s son-in-law, pleaded guilty last year to a criminal contempt charge for his willful failure to abide by the settlement payment order.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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In any case, Caroline — who was a more compelling character when Jackie was still alive, subtly pushing against her family’s conventions — has now taken up Jackie’s torch as the guard of Kennedyisms, making sure his brother and his willful bride fall in line.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Paxton was defiant when speaking to a few hundred supporters at a Dallas hotel ballroom, a far different scene than Cornyn's small press conference.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
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Paxton was defiant when speaking to a few hundred supporters at a Dallas hotel ballroom on Tuesday night, a far different scene from Cornyn’s small news conference.—
Steve Peoples,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Other common side effects include nausea, flushing, headache, and abdominal cramping and uncontrollable shivering.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
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Davidson has coprolalia—uncontrollable obscene speech—hence the pun in the title of the film.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Consciousness may be the most recalcitrant concept of all.—
Dan Turello,
New Yorker,
10 Jan. 2026
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Adams had carefully shepherded it through an often-recalcitrant City Council and through the gauntlet of demands coming from both the real estate lobby and pro-housing advocates.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
1 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncooperative. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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