UNRULY Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unruly

adjective

ˌən-ˈrü-lē

Definition of unruly next

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 teachers, principal and custodian work together to educate unruly kids while navigating the challenges of an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school. —

Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025 The Omaha Police Department eventually set up surveillance outside the home to keep a close eye on the unruly guests, according to the local outlet. —

Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 Eagles fans have a long history of unruly behavior. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 Miami Beach officials have long sought to change the hard-partying reputation of South Beach and Ocean Drive, citing unruly crowds that reach their peak during spring break weekends in March. —

Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unruly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly

Adjective

Ali is a directionless and rebellious 17-year-old girl with an overprotective mother who eventually finds her passion in music after taking piano lessons from an elderly woman in her apartment building.

— Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
However, expect a surprising shift on Feb. 10 as Mercury goes head-to-head with rebellious Uranus in your sign.

— Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025

Definition of rebellious

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

finesse

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Synonyms of unruly

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Thesaurus Entries Near unruly

Cite this Entry