Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Synonym Chooser
How does the adjectiveungovernable differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms ofungovernable areheadstrong,intractable,recalcitrant,refractory,unruly, andwillful. 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.
When couldheadstrong be used to replaceungovernable?
The wordsheadstrong andungovernable can be used in similar contexts, butheadstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.
When canintractable be used instead ofungovernable?
The meanings ofintractable andungovernable largely overlap; however,intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.
In what contexts canrecalcitrant take the place ofungovernable?
The wordsrecalcitrant andungovernable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically,recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.
When isrefractory a more appropriate choice thanungovernable?
In some situations, the wordsrefractory andungovernable are roughly equivalent. However,refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.
When is it sensible to useunruly instead ofungovernable?
Although the wordsunruly andungovernable have much in common,unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.
When wouldwillful be a good substitute forungovernable?
While in some cases nearly identical toungovernable,willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.
Example Sentences
Zoë Schlanger,The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025The colonial government’s fear ofungovernableBlack people still lingered, however.—Sasha C. Wells / Made By History,TIME, 26 Dec. 2024In its editorial, Automotive News said Stellantis might beungovernablebut was certainly in need of a major overhaul.—Neil Winton,Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024But even Jewish-Jewish coalitions have provedungovernable.—Gideon Lewis-Kraus,The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024See All Example Sentences forungovernable- Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join therebelliousThirteen Colonies?— Eli Wizevich,Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
- Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her threerebelliouschildren cause.— Lisa Stardust,People.com, 11 May 2025
- Daily use by adolescents and adults can result in another unpleasant side effect:uncontrollablevomiting, according to a 2021 study.— Sandee LaMotte,CNN Money, 5 May 2025
- The phenomenon happens after a person repeatedly experiences negative,uncontrollableevents.— Kim Key,PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
- The president's remarks note a stark difference in recent comments he's made toward therebelgroup.— Anna Commander,MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
- This week,rebelassassin Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu) was accidentally shot by a Ghorman revolutionary during a routine attack on an Imperial transport ship.— Jordan Moreau,Variety, 1 May 2025
- And for many, this is when therapy enters the picture — not as a proactive choice, but as a last resort when emotional overwhelm becomesunmanageable.— Mark Travers,Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
- These expenses, which lead tounmanageabledebt, can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and car repairs.— Víctor Rosario,Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
- But beneath Pakistan’s drumbeat ofdefiantdeclarations as tensions erupt with India, a weary Pakistani public sees war as the last thing the country needs.— Salman Masood,New York Times, 2 May 2025
- The April data marks a setback for Beijing, as top leaders strive to maintain adefiantand confident posture amid Trump’s trade war.— John Liu,CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
- Outside of Washington, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s followers appear to be scrambling the country'sstubbornred-blue divideUSA TODAYTexas is looking at bills to bring back exercise.— Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,USA Today, 4 May 2025
- Thosestubborndark spots that once felt like permanent guests on my face are finally starting to fade, and my complexion looks brighter and more even-toned.— Essence,Essence, 1 May 2025
- This platform is being applied to biologic therapeutics, cell therapy for oncology and autoimmune diseases, and long-termintractablepain.— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
- But where others saw anintractableproblem, Jean-François Archambault saw an opportunity.— Afdhel Aziz,Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
- Afghanistan remainsunrulyand dangerous and Pakistan is a willing and able partner in facing those threats, including a resurgent Al Qaeda.— Christopher Shays,New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
- But the consequences of excessive drinking onboard – fromunrulybehavior to safety risks – can far outweigh the temporary pleasure of a drink.— Christopher Elliott,USA Today, 3 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ungovernable.”Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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