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 Some things in a difficult job can be resolved or eased, while others will be intractable. —Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025 Ancient divisions among the Canucks’ core resurfaced and proved intractable. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 In Lawrence Wright’s new thriller, an Arab American F.B.I. agent and an Israeli cop take on an intractable conflict. —Olivia Waite, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 Trump views Gaza as a real estate opportunity The Israeli Palestinian conflict has been one of the Middle East’s most intractable problems. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 5 Feb. 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
  • And if his readership remained informed on his doings, the prince and his supporters didn’t succeed in silencing him and the rest of the rebellious faction.
    — Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Wearing cowboy boots with shorts is not only a bold stylistic choice but also a practical way to dress for warm weather without giving up the rustic and rebellious touch that the boots bring.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 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
  • In the fresh extended footage shown, DiCaprio’s former yippie Bob is seen negotiating with a difficult underground rebel contact who knows the whereabouts of his daughter (played by Chase Infiniti).
    — Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump’s military and intelligence leaders inadvertently shared classified military information on a Houthi rebel attack with a magazine editor which was published online.
    — Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 1 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
  • 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
  • Milla — a young woman who feels disillusioned by doctors that treat her like a recalcitrant child, directing even conversations about her treatment to her father instead of her — finds false security in quacks selling enemas and juice cleanses.
    — Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025
Definition of recalcitrant
Adjective
  • The willful reluctance of Western policymakers to recognize the importance of cognitive warfare carries the risk of irreversible losses in power and influence worldwide, the key factors that determine strategic outcomes in global competition.
    — Michael Miklaucic, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Luckily, her father steered her away from such a willful error.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of willful
Adjective
  • Common Mental Health Conditions in Men Depression Depression causes disruptive, uncontrollable feelings of sadness and emptiness.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Already, we are haunted by the specters of nuclear warfare and uncontrollable climate change.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 2025.

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