intractable

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl How to pronounce intractable (audio)
Definition of intractablenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intractable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intractable are headstrong, recalcitrant, refractory, ungovernable, unruly, and willful. While all these words mean "not submissive to government or control," intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

When would headstrong be a good substitute for intractable?

The synonyms headstrong and intractable are sometimes interchangeable, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When is recalcitrant a more appropriate choice than intractable?

Although the words recalcitrant and intractable have much in common, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When can refractory be used instead of intractable?

While in some cases nearly identical to intractable, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

Where would ungovernable be a reasonable alternative to intractable?

The words ungovernable and intractable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 it sensible to use unruly instead of intractable?

The words unruly and intractable can be used in similar contexts, but unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When could willful be used to replace intractable?

The meanings of willful and intractable largely overlap; 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 intractable Meanwhile, homelessness remains intractable. —Mercury News Editorial, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Infrastructure poses an equally intractable challenge. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The most intractable puzzle, for John, is how to act like a socially confident family man unfazed by the outside world. —Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 An important part of the committee’s decision has to do with the way in which an intractable, traumatic, complex, and long-standing conflict is approached through the art of comedy. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intractable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intractable
  1. rebellious
  2. stubborn
  3. rebel
  4. unmanageable
  5. defiant
  6. recalcitrant
  7. willful
  8. uncontrollable
Adjective
  • 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
  • It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.
    — Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • 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
  • The mutually beneficial alliance between Tehran and Damascus ended abruptly in December, after an anti-Assad coalition led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) carried out a lightning march on Damascus, taking the capital without meeting serious resistance.
    — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • These expenses, which lead to unmanageable debt, can include medical emergencies, natural disasters, and car repairs.
    — Víctor Rosario, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of unmanageable
Adjective
  • More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know Trump has remained defiant despite mounting fears of recession and a plunging stock market.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of defiant
Adjective
  • New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.
    — Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of recalcitrant
Adjective
  • 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
  • Plaintiffs also can seek punitive damages if malice, fraud, knowledge or willful avoidance can be proven.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • 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
  • Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncontrollable

Browse Nearby Words

intractability
intractable
intransigence
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Cite this Entry

“Intractable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intractable. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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