unruly

adjective

un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 
unrulier; unruliest
Synonyms of unruly
: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed : difficult to control
an unruly crowd
an unruly passenger
a mane of unruly hair
unruliness noun

Synonyms of unruly

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unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control.

unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior.

unruly children

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

intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control.

intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump

refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold.

special schools for refractory children

recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority.

acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace

willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way.

a willful disregard for the rights of others

headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion.

a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of unruly in a Sentence

unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Tarrant County decorum policy prohibits personal attacks, impertinent, profane, obscene, or slanderous remarks as well as threatening, disruptive or unruly behavior. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 But during long days of airport delays, cancellations, and perhaps an unruly passenger or two, humor is a welcome way to relieve stress. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2026 Heavy Metal earned raves for its unruly combination of intimate songwriting, feverish emotion and left-field ambition, and the Carnegie Hall performance put that material in a setting almost comically grand enough to match its scale. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 Verano centers on an unruly teen whose plans for a carefree summer are disrupted when his parents welcome an asylum seeker into their home. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unruly

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unruly was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unruly

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Browse Nearby Words

unruliness
unruly
unrumpled
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Cite this Entry

“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unruly. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unruly

adjective
un·​ruly ˌən-ˈrü-lē 
ˈən-
unrulier; unruliest
: not yielding easily to rule or restriction : uncontrollable
an unruly temper
an unruly horse
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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