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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ungovernable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ungovernable are headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, and willful. 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.

ungovernable rage

When could headstrong be used to replace ungovernable?

The words headstrong and ungovernable can be used in similar contexts, but headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

When can intractable be used instead of ungovernable?

The meanings of intractable and ungovernable largely overlap; however, intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

In what contexts can recalcitrant take the place of ungovernable?

The words recalcitrant and ungovernable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

When is refractory a more appropriate choice than ungovernable?

In some situations, the words refractory and ungovernable are roughly equivalent. However, refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

When is it sensible to use unruly instead of ungovernable?

Although the words unruly and ungovernable have much in common, unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

When would willful be a good substitute for ungovernable?

While in some cases nearly identical to ungovernable, 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 ungovernable In its editorial, Automotive News said Stellantis might be ungovernable but was certainly in need of a major overhaul. Neil Winton, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 But even Jewish-Jewish coalitions have proved ungovernable. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 The many examples of personal incompetence in rich industrial democracies generated the thesis that such countries had become ungovernable. Harold James, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021 Waymo’s lovable and ungovernable driverless taxis aren’t playing by the rules again in San Francisco. Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 30 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ungovernable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ungovernable
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
Adjective
  • Common Mental Health Conditions in Men Depression Depression causes disruptive, uncontrollable feelings of sadness and emptiness.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Slippery Slope Thinking Fuels A Fear Of Change People with strong slippery slope beliefs tend to assume that one small change will lead to inevitable, uncontrollable negative consequences.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • 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
  • When the herd grew unmanageable, Mexican-Spanish vaqueros (cowboys) were brought in from California to teach locals how to rope and herd cattle.
    Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Related article Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers make defiant speech after winning best documentary Oscar For Ballal, the assault – and Netanyahu’s moves – are even more of a reason to continue to fight for his community.
    Kareem Khadder, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Two months into his term, President Trump is growing more defiant, creative and ruthless in his pursuit of a central campaign promise: exacting revenge on his political enemies.
    Zachary Basu, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Cops have unmasked some of the unruly mob at a crazed Queens car meetup that left three NYPD vehicles vandalized, police said Friday.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • While reports of unruly riding is citywide, one area that has seen a lot of issues is in the Top of the World neighborhood, near the trailhead for the Woods Canyon Wilderness Park, officials said.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ungovernable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ungovernable. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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