1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
unruly mobs roamed the streets of the capital after the government leaders had fled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unruly
More than 830 unruly passengers have been reported so far this year, the FAA said.
—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
Now officials are urging residents to trim any unruly bushes or hedges that may impact traffic or sidewalks.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
His perspective is the bridge between the human spirit and the unruly light of the cosmos.
—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
27 June 2026
So a crew of angels and one unruly human are on a mission to rescue every Black person and bring them to heaven.
—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026
Now officials are urging residents to trim any unruly bushes or hedges that may impact traffic or sidewalks.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
His perspective is the bridge between the human spirit and the unruly light of the cosmos.
—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
27 June 2026
So a crew of angels and one unruly human are on a mission to rescue every Black person and bring them to heaven.
—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
Adjective
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For seven seasons, a hodgepodge crew mixing Starfleet and the rebellious Maquis put aside their differences after they got zapped 70,000 lightyears away from Earth, deep into the uncharted Delta Quadrant.
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This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination.
Adjective
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The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
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Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
Adjective
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Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
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In May 2025, a Placer County criminal grand jury indicted both men.
Adjective
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Starmer had previously vowed to stand in any formal Labour leadership race triggered by rebel lawmakers who feating a 2029 election wipeout sought to replace him.
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Many rebel groups are offshoots of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which had been fighting to overthrow the government since the 1960s and had been the country's largest guerrilla organization.
Adjective
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Continue contributing enough to capture any employer match, prioritize paying off high-rate debt and explore debt relief options if your balances have become unmanageable.
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Unkempt vines will continue to grow vigorously and become unmanageable.
Adjective
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The whole thing is an anarchic delirium reminiscent of the kind experienced by Bart and Milhouse after drinking an all-syrup Super Squishee; thankfully, the comedown is quick and relatively painless.
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The story links the creatures’ anarchic physical comedy to silent-era pioneers such as Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton.
Adjective
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Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory.
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Laurie Whitwell Were South Africa unlucky after defiant defensive display?
Adjective
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The jealousy that emanates from every pore of this guy is uncontrollable.
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An uncontrollable laugh when tickled is vastly different from a polite laugh in a meeting, an infectious laugh during a movie, or a nervous little giggle after making a mistake.
Cite this Entry
“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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