recalcitrance

noun

re·​cal·​ci·​trance ri-ˈkal-sə-trən(t)s How to pronounce recalcitrance (audio)
: the state of being recalcitrant

Examples of recalcitrance in a Sentence

punished her recalcitrance by taking away her driving privileges
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The United States has become increasingly irritated with the glacial pace of progress towards implementing a ceasefire agreement, more overtly criticizing Russia's recalcitrance to ink a deal despite pursuing a rapprochement with the Kremlin. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Resistance to state laws Littleton isn’t just seeing recalcitrance on changes to its land-use code from its residents. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025 On that front, at least, Putin’s recalcitrance may turn out to be an asset. Simon Shuster, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 But those prior instances of presidential recalcitrance — just two, spread out over 248 years — were narrow. Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recalcitrance

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recalcitrance was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Recalcitrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recalcitrance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

recalcitrance

noun
re·​cal·​ci·​trance ri-ˈkal-sə-trən(t)s How to pronounce recalcitrance (audio)
: the state of being recalcitrant

More from Merriam-Webster on recalcitrance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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