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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ungovernable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ungovernable are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," 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 could headstrong be used to replace ungovernable?

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

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of ungovernable?

The meanings of intractable and ungovernable largely overlap; however, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

In what contexts can recalcitrant take the place of ungovernable?

The words recalcitrant and ungovernable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When is refractory a more appropriate choice than ungovernable?

In some situations, the words refractory and ungovernable are roughly equivalent. However, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of ungovernable?

Although the words unruly and ungovernable have much in common, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would willful be a good substitute for ungovernable?

While in some cases nearly identical to ungovernable, 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 ungovernable The result is a massively flawed information market and an increasingly ungovernable world. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 In California, the shift toward ungovernable fires in populated places has been under way for several years. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025 The colonial government’s fear of ungovernable Black people still lingered, however. Sasha C. Wells / Made By History, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024 In its editorial, Automotive News said Stellantis might be ungovernable but was certainly in need of a major overhaul. Neil Winton, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ungovernable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungovernable
Adjective
  • Mexican music has always been rock-ish in spirit — sincere, rebellious, a direct message that invites you to rebel against the world.
    Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • Strahovski shares details about her character’s state of mind the moment when everything changed with a bold and rebellious move, after finding love again with Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), below.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Commenters had a lot to say, and many of them highlighted an often uncontrollable difference between generations: financial insecurity.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 26 June 2025
  • In both cases, the objective was to signal strength while minimizing the chance of escalation into uncontrollable conflict.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • But her unruly secrets reflect the uncomfortable truths that are so often hidden in our own histories.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, during season 3's second major game — jump rope — another two main characters are killed: Jun-hee and Nam-gyu (Roh Jae-won), or Player 124, who initially competed in the games alongside season 2's Thanos (T.O.P.) and proved to be an unruly player.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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