Synonyms of unruly

unruly

adjective

ˌən-ˈrü-lē 

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

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn
• wayward
• willful
• obstreperous
• disobedient
• recalcitrant
• wilful
• mischievous
• contrary
• restive
• ungovernable
• insubordinate
• naughty
• contumacious
• rigid
• intractable
• balky
• dogged
• refractory
• adamant
• wild
• dissident
• uncontrollable
• unrelenting
• untoward
• froward
• rude
• uncooperative
• incompliant
• mutinous
• insurgent
• bad
• resistant
• recusant
• unmanageable
• obstinate
• fractious
• opinionated
• disorderly
• headstrong
• peevish
• undisciplined
• noncooperative
• uncompromising
• implacable
• negativistic
• obdurate
• inflexible
• unbending
• monkeying
• mulish
• unyielding
• immovable
• pertinacious
• errant
• insolent
• disrespectful
• impudent
• ornery
• wrongheaded
• hardheaded
• uncouth
• perverse
• adamantine
• self-willed
• pigheaded
• unmannerly
• inconsiderate
• discourteous
• ungracious
• uncivil
• misbehaving
• impertinent
• nonconformist
• impolite
• ill-mannered
• ill-bred
• ill-natured
• monkeyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• docile
• obedient
• submissive
• amiable
• compliant
• cooperative
• tractable
• amenable
• agreeable
• deferential
• conformable
• acquiescent
• behaved
• ruly
• disciplined
• biddable
• yielding
• respectful
• polite
• well-bred
• courteous
• obliging
• orderly
• servile
• obsequious
• proper
• slavish
• subservient
• manageable
• mannerly
• decorous
• controllable
• trainable
• kowtowing
• governable

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

• stubborn
• unmanageable
• uncontrollable
• wayward
• rebellious
• wilful
• recalcitrant
• ungovernable
• willful
• headstrong
• intractable
• difficult
• out of hand
• naughty
• refractory
• incontrollable
• untoward
• obstinate
• undisciplined
• wild
• incorrigible
• rowdy
• uncontrolled
• froward
• intransigent
• boisterous
• rambunctious
• stiff
• obdurate
• opinionated
• disobedient
• irrepressible
• contrary
• perverse
• unpunished
• mulish
• insubordinate
• pigheaded
• hardheaded
• self-willed
• bullheaded
• stiff-necked
• indocile
• misbehaving

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• manageable
• controllable
• tractable
• docile
• obedient
• submissive
• compliant
• well-behaved
• governable
• pliable
• yielding
• receptive
• responsive
• willing
• accepting
• reasonable
• temperate
• placable
• trainable
• persuadable

3

as in anarchical

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

• rebellious
• anarchical
• criminal
• anarchic
• disorderly
• illegal
• defiant
• lawless
• illicit
• mutinous
• lawbreaking
• undisciplined
• insubordinate
• unlawful
• felonious
• riotous
• wrongful
• illegitimate
• disobedient
• refractory
• recalcitrant
• intractable
• froward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• orderly
• legal
• legitimate
• lawful
• law-abiding
• docile
• obedient
• legalized
• submissive
• compliant
• tractable
• amenable

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

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