7
untoward(adjective, adverb, control, order, tough)
6
determined(adjective, tough, firm, persistent, obstinate)
6
difficult(adjective, tough, wild, awkward, obstinate)
6
firm(adjective, tough, persistent, obstinate, stubborn)
6
immovable(adjective, tough, difficult, determined, fixed)
6
incorrigible(adjective, disobedience)
6
indocile(adjective, control, order, tough, difficult)
6
recusant(violent, negative, hostile, different, adverse)
6
rule breaker
6
uncompliant(adjective, tough, firm, unreasonable, grim)
5
averse(adjective, difficult, awkward, unenthusiastic, forced)
5
balky(adjective, tough, firm, negative, unreasonable)
5
disinclined(adjective, awkward, unenthusiastic, forced, averse)
5
nonconformist(adjective, negative, hostile, different, adverse)
5
opposed(adjective, negative, hostile, adverse, discordant)
5
persistent(adjective, tough, firm, obstinate, stubborn)
5
stiff(adjective, obstinate, stubborn, unbending)
5
tenacious(adjective, tough, firm, difficult, wild)
4
bloody-minded(adjective, persistent, obstinate, insistent, dogged)
4
conflicting(adjective, negative, hostile, different, adverse)
11 years ago|12k views|share |citing 
APASmart Define. (2015). recalcitrant thesaurus. Retrieved September 25, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "recalcitrant thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 25, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, recalcitrant thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 25 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "recalcitrant thesaurus" 10 April 2015. Web. 25 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/recalcitrant/thesaurus/synonyms>