11
unyielding(adjective, tough, firm, determined, fixed)
10
indomitable(adjective, difficult, violent, wild, awkward)
10
resistant(adjective, awkward, resistance, stubborn, forced)
10
uncontrollable(adjective, control, order, resist, wild)
9
self-willed(adjective, tough, firm, difficult, wild)
9
unwilling(adjective, mood, unenthusiastic, averse, unwilling)
9
wild(adjective, control, order, tough, difficult)
9
wilful
8
adamant(adjective, tough, firm, unreasonable, grim)
8
naughty(adjective, bad, unruly, misbehaved)
8
reluctant(adjective, awkward, unenthusiastic, forced, averse)
8
resisting(adjective, resistance, disobedience, unwilling, uncontrollable)
8
rule-breaker
7
inflexible(adjective, tough, firm, unreasonable, fixed)
7
insurgent(adjective, persistent, obstinate, insistent, dogged)
7
mulish(adjective, tough, firm, difficult, awkward)
7
obdurate(adjective, tough, firm, difficult, violent)
7
obstreperous(adjective, control, order, resist, peace)
7
pigheaded(adjective, tough, firm, difficult, awkward)
7
restive(adjective, violent, negative, nervous, hostile)
11 years ago|12k views|share |citing 
APASmart Define. (2015). recalcitrant thesaurus. Retrieved September 24, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "recalcitrant thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 24, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, recalcitrant thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 24 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "recalcitrant thesaurus" 10 April 2015. Web. 24 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms>