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Definitions

unruly

[uhn-roo-lee] / ʌnˈru li /
ADJECTIVE
disobedient
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disorderly drunken fractious impulsive lawless ornery quarrelsome rebellious recalcitrant reckless restive riotous rowdy turbulent uncontrollable unmanageable violent wayward
WEAK
assertive bawdy forward headstrong heedless impervious impetuous imprudent incorrigible inexorable insubordinate intemperate intractable mean mutinous obstreperous opinionated out of control out of line perverse rash refractory ungovernable unyielding wild willful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable calm cautious controllable happy manageable mild moderate obedient passive patient
WEAK
compliant yielding

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.

The other stays raw — bright, fresh, slightly unruly.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

The pandemic amplified the behavior, with reports of unruly passengers rising sixfold between 2020 and 2021, according to the FAA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Associated noise-related issues range from unruly crowds to honking horns in overcrowded parking lots.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

She said Henry's strong will and "unruly energy" make him the perfect detection dog.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

He studied us now out of faded blue eyes in a way that let us know we weren’t the first unruly cadets he’d ever dealt with, and we most certainly wouldn’t be his last.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin