Definition of ungovernablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ungovernable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ungovernable are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," 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 could headstrong be used to replace ungovernable?

The words headstrong and ungovernable can be used in similar contexts, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of ungovernable?

The meanings of intractable and ungovernable largely overlap; however, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

In what contexts can recalcitrant take the place of ungovernable?

The words recalcitrant and ungovernable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When is refractory a more appropriate choice than ungovernable?

In some situations, the words refractory and ungovernable are roughly equivalent. However, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of ungovernable?

Although the words unruly and ungovernable have much in common, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would willful be a good substitute for ungovernable?

While in some cases nearly identical to ungovernable, 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 ungovernable It is often called ungovernable, perhaps a little grandly. Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Unfortunately, The Baltimore Sun, a once-great regional institution, has been hijacked by the same right-wing media that has been making America increasingly ungovernable for decades. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 The biggest threat of AI is that the bulk of this powerful technology is uniquely within the control of a small cohort of ungovernable men. Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026 To be a great man, in this tradition, is to be ungovernable by small rules. Literary Hub, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ungovernable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungovernable
Adjective
  • For seven seasons, a hodgepodge crew mixing Starfleet and the rebellious Maquis put aside their differences after they got zapped 70,000 lightyears away from Earth, deep into the uncharted Delta Quadrant.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
  • This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The jealousy that emanates from every pore of this guy is uncontrollable.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026
  • An uncontrollable laugh when tickled is vastly different from a polite laugh in a meeting, an infectious laugh during a movie, or a nervous little giggle after making a mistake.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Starmer had previously vowed to stand in any formal Labour leadership race triggered by rebel lawmakers who feating a 2029 election wipeout sought to replace him.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Many rebel groups are offshoots of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which had been fighting to overthrow the government since the 1960s and had been the country's largest guerrilla organization.
    John Otis, NPR, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Continue contributing enough to capture any employer match, prioritize paying off high-rate debt and explore debt relief options if your balances have become unmanageable.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Unkempt vines will continue to grow vigorously and become unmanageable.
    Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Femi was defiant as he was interviewed in the ring following his victory.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2026
  • Laurie Whitwell Were South Africa unlucky after defiant defensive display?
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
    Christine Rapp, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • For as long as the American Dream has been around, homeownership was considered an intractable piece of the wealth-building puzzle.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 June 2026
  • Two Ships is thus a narrative for our time, when the aspirational vision of oneness has given way to intractable twoness.
    James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Several North Lake Tahoe beaches will be closed Saturday evening during the July 4 holiday due to what law enforcement officials described as unruly crowds of visiting teenagers.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Britain, arguably, decided to cut its losses with the unruly thirteen colonies to better safeguard its more lucrative possessions in the Caribbean and South Asia.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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