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.

Unruly crowds clamored for a watch designed with luxury brand Audemars Piguet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“This Unruly Witness: June Jordan’s Legacy” is perfect for anyone looking for a way to embrace morality while calling out injustice.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2025

Lauren Elkin explains the inspirations and surprising opinions behind her new book on women artists, ‘Art Monsters: Unruly Bodies in Feminist Art.’

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2024

Unruly passengers frequently fought with flight attendants over the rule thousands of feet in the air.

From Washington Times • Apr. 19, 2022

Unruly lads, mechanics out of work, runaway apprentices, were readily drawn into the service by skillful recruiting officers.

From The Eve of the French Revolution by Lowell, Edward J. (Edward Jackson)

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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