1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
an intractable child who deliberately does the opposite of whatever he is told
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
cats are by nature fairly intractable animals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intractable
The test has long seemed intractable to major AI companies.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
By the end of the 19th century, when America’s western frontier was largely settled, this was America’s last wilderness: difficult, intractable, dangerous.
—Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
One intractable problem with racial classifications was that the differences in human physical traits were tiny, so scientists struggled to use them to differentiate between groups.
—John P. Jackson, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intractable
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
By the end of the 19th century, when America’s western frontier was largely settled, this was America’s last wilderness: difficult, intractable, dangerous.
—Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
One intractable problem with racial classifications was that the differences in human physical traits were tiny, so scientists struggled to use them to differentiate between groups.
—John P. Jackson, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intractable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intractable
Adjective
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Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Nazanin Lankarani,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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The most glaring of those misses came against Arsenal in October, with Bournemouth trying to break down a stubborn defence following William Saliba’s dismissal.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Lamar Johnson’s Henry Burrell was a collaborator on the run from a rebel group different from The Fireflies in Kansas City, where the QZ and all FEDRA presence had been dissolved.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 2025
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In the wake of the earthquake, the shadow government in exile, known as the National Unity Government, and an alliance of three rebel groups announced cease-fires.—
Sui-Lee Wee,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These expenses, which lead to unmanageable debt, can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and car repairs.—
Víctor Rosario,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The federal government, with its millions of employees, has ballooned into an unmanageable monstrosity, consuming trillions of taxpayer dollars while failing at even the most basic functions.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, was defiant in remarks to reporters earlier Monday.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2025
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But when asked about the lack of norms and decorum in the current political climate and whether Democrats need to play on the same level, Himes was defiant.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.—
Murr Brewster,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 Apr. 2025
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For recalcitrant teams, Scherzer would also remove the runner who automatically starts each inning after the ninth in scoring position on second base, creating a significant handicap.—
Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But this season, showrunner Mike White pinpoints the willful decadence of the Western world, primarily through Yankees: the husband, wife, and 2.5 children of the Ratliff family, three freewheeling feminist matrons, plus a shady white bachelor and a single black mother.—
Armond White,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
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Plaintiffs also can seek punitive damages if malice, fraud, knowledge or willful avoidance can be proven.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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By systematically reviewing and understanding the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, informed decisions that align with financial goals can be made, setting the stage for the future.—
Ira Walker,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intractable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intractable. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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