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.

It can be more specific, more referential, more personal or more unruly.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

While Tory chief whip, Sir Gavin was said to have used Cronus to intimidate unruly MPs so they stuck to the party line.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

And whether or not the two gloves made the ultimate difference, his success in professional golf stems from his ability to control golf’s most unruly club.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

An unprecedented number of tourists are flocking to Japan, but some residents have become fed up with unruly behaviour.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Her passion for tidiness was also satisfied, for an unruly world could be made just so.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing unruly

List 6

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"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act II

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Tears of a Tiger

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