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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in criminal

not restrained by or under the control of legal authority unruly mobs roamed the streets of the capital after the government leaders had fled

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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 Clients came by with their unruly pooches — up to six at a time — for group sessions in the windowless middle room that Annie had converted into a training facility with urine-safe flooring, a dog-food freezer, and wire racks stuffed with toys and equipment. —

Anne Kadet, Curbed, 15 May 2026 In addition to the credit debt case, Eatherly faces a separate criminal case in which he is accused of becoming unruly at a Nashville steakhouse on Saturday and refusing to pay the nearly $400 bill. —

Kristin M. Hall, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 This harmless, doll-like look juxtaposed with the anger running through their punk discographies and unruly performances was meant to subvert the expectations of women as docile objects in the patriarchy. —

Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026 In the underdog sports comedy, Jake Johnson plays former tennis prodigy Dusty, who's now teaching unruly kids at a country club owned by his father (Ed Harris). —

Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unruly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly

Adjective

That would be a massive threat to the hegemony established by the film, especially for people at their most curious, rebellious age.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
And what could be more rebellious than sending a roomful of serious cinephiles screaming for the exits?

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026

Definition of rebellious

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unruliness

unruly

unrushed

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“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of unruly

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