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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 This novel, the first in a trilogy, pokes gentle fun at the aristocrat and all her unruly impulses. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025 On the 20th anniversary of Morrison’s death in 1991, police had to disperse fans from the cemetery with tear gas due to unruly behaviour. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 This top detangling brush is suitable for every hair texture, from tight coils to super straight hair types, as its innovative design effortlessly and thoroughly combs through all kinds of unruly strands. Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025 About 150 people have been arrested at the protests, which have included flareups of unruly clashes, vandalism and looting, but have remained limited to a few blocks in the city's downtown area. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • This panel will examine mass incarceration through multiple lenses and how the criminal justice system serves as a point of crisis of public health, black wealth building, voter disenfranchisement, and family structure.
    Essence, Essence, 6 July 2025
  • The incident took place at the Norwood Avenue subway station at 9 a.m. Marshall was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, as well as third-degree assault and second-degree harassment.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 July 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
  • These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, for the first time in more than 20 years, Tweedy, the anarchic Scottish clown, who, with his pratfalls and pet clothing iron, Keef, provided the glue to every Giffords Circus performance, was not part of the cast.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 28 June 2025
  • First, states live in an anarchic international system where no overarching authority exists to guarantee agreements and punish those who renege.
    Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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