Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

recalcitrant

[ri-kal-si-truhnt] / rɪˈkæl sɪ trənt /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ms. Goldstein imagines a sweet spot that allows us to “objectively distinguish between better and worse ways to satisfy the longing to matter” while being “expansive enough to accommodate us in all our recalcitrant diversity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Bessent's comments come after he called India a "bit recalcitrant" on trade negotiations in an interview with Fox Business on Tuesday.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2025

“The Justice Department covers the entire nation, and they have the resources to take on the most recalcitrant and stubborn state actors,” he explained.

From Slate • Jul. 5, 2025

The state government must expand the scope and speed of land-use reforms, with all cities, including wealthy and recalcitrant enclaves, doing their part.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2024

The most abundant isotope, U-238, was harder to nudge toward fission than to move a recalcitrant donkey, and it responded only to fast, or highly energetic, neutrons.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik




Vocabulary lists containing recalcitrant


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "recalcitrant" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com