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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unruly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unruly are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would headstrong be a good substitute for unruly?

While the synonyms headstrong and unruly are close in meaning, headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Where would intractable be a reasonable alternative to unruly?

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

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When can recalcitrant be used instead of unruly?

While in some cases nearly identical to unruly, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

In what contexts can refractory take the place of unruly?

The words refractory and unruly are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use ungovernable instead of unruly?

The words ungovernable and unruly can be used in similar contexts, but 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 willful a more appropriate choice than unruly?

In some situations, the words willful and unruly are roughly equivalent. However, 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 unruly The cry here is not one of vulnerability or angst but the unruly register of creative freedom, of calling your power back. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Afghanistan remains unruly and dangerous and Pakistan is a willing and able partner in facing those threats, including a resurgent Al Qaeda. Christopher Shays, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025 But the consequences of excessive drinking onboard – from unruly behavior to safety risks – can far outweigh the temporary pleasure of a drink. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 3 May 2025 Town halls have become unruly and combative, pushing many Republican lawmakers to avoid facing voters altogether. Katie Benner, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
Adjective
  • These two regions are no longer promising New World upstarts or rebellious outposts of Bordeaux.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a work crisis that puts the lifestyle of Julie and their rebellious son Russ (Simon Webster) in jeopardy, leading Julie back to the dopey sweetness of Carey.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • When tragedy strikes on Michigan roads—when a car skids off an icy bend or a semi-truck barrels through a red light—victims are often left to face not only devastating injuries but also a daunting legal maze of corporate denials and stubborn insurers.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Get The Recipe Smart Move Similar recipes with beans and peas existed before then, but a challenge made to a stubborn chef named Helen Corbitt spurred the creation of Texas caviar.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump met with former rebel leader turned new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2025
  • Incidents of violence by rebel groups fell from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024, according to data from the home ministry.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The budget does, thankfully, enshrine the Department of Government Efficiency’s acknowledgment that federal sprawl has become unmanageable.
    Veronique de Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
  • Each box weighed close to 30 pounds—cumbersome, though not unmanageable for a moderately-strong adult.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ottawa County prosecutors are considering pursuing criminal charges against the shooter, a 20-year-old, Sparks told the outlets.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • MacLean’s criminal history is lengthy and spans multiple states.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The defiant message comes after weeks of intense news coverage and a Republican House committee investigation into Hope Florida and its nonprofit charity arm, the Hope Florida Foundation.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
  • For weeks, Chinese officials had projected a defiant position, demanding the US remove all tariffs on China before agreeing to come to the negotiation table.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Research shows that people under stress are more likely to give up, but only when the situation feels uncontrollable.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Entire neighborhoods are retrofitted with clear glass domes that activate during extreme rainstorms and uncontrollable wildfires.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the original game was a simple, souped up demolition derby, this adaptation has expanded it into an anarchic trek across America with some Deadpool and Zombieland flourishes from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.
    Lucy Ford, Time, 19 May 2025
  • Still, there’s something unnerving about the panic itself, a brief but powerful delusion that an anarchic clown would turn New York into Gotham City.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unruly

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