1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
the manager worried that the recalcitrant employee would try to undermine his authority
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2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a heart-to-heart talk with the recalcitrant youth revealed that he had a troubled life at home
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Recent Examples of recalcitrant
Among Congressional Republicans, Paul has been more recalcitrant than most.
—
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Big cars, bigger trucks, two-dimensional women, recalcitrant men.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
While the markets have not responded kindly, the White House insists the tariffs are bringing recalcitrant nations to the bargaining table.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Traditionally, military pressure has influenced the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recalcitrant and anti-American leaders to make concessions.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recalcitrant
Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Big cars, bigger trucks, two-dimensional women, recalcitrant men.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
While the markets have not responded kindly, the White House insists the tariffs are bringing recalcitrant nations to the bargaining table.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Traditionally, military pressure has influenced the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recalcitrant and anti-American leaders to make concessions.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recalcitrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recalcitrant
Adjective
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Mexican music has always been rock-ish in spirit — sincere, rebellious, a direct message that invites you to rebel against the world.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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Strahovski shares details about her character’s state of mind the moment when everything changed with a bold and rebellious move, after finding love again with Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), below.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.—
Roger Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
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The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Californians are tired and angry about the seemingly intractable, unsheltered, street homelessness crisis.—
Catherine Blakespear,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
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Beyond that, New York City’s tech sector has surpassed Austin at this point and can offer ways through some of the most intractable problems.—
Jamie Rubin,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.—
Philip Marcelo,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
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Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian causes was a point of tension in the mayor’s race as Cuomo and other opponents sought to label his defiant criticism of Israel as antisemitic.—
Philip Marcelo,
Fortune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The study found that women account for 3.4 percent of the construction labor force and 4 percent for industrial and refractory machinery mechanics.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Apr. 2025
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While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes.—
Tribune Content Agency,
The Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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King Charles, while maintaining a private, familial relationship, is in the same camp but does have a special agreement that allows his wayward brother to attend private family luncheons… but no more public processions or official duties.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Rather than trying to eliminate leaf miners, focus on keeping your lemon tree healthy by fertilizing it as needed, watering it deeply during prolonged drought, and properly pruning broken and wayward branches.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Recalcitrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/recalcitrant. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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