1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
unruly pupils were given detention as a matter of course
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a camp that was known as a place where unruly youths were given their last chance to shape up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in anarchical
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
unruly mobs roamed the streets of the capital after the government leaders had fled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unruly
The former Bengal was arrested early Sept. 11 after Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport police responded to a call about an unruly passenger on a United Airlines flight, court records show.
—
Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Those riots quickly spread north, leading to several nights of showdowns between law enforcement and unruly bad actors.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Deputies in riot gear, including helmets and shields, amassed in the area this afternoon as protesters decrying the federal enforcement actions grew unruly.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 June 2025
But her unruly secrets reflect the uncomfortable truths that are so often hidden in our own histories.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Those riots quickly spread north, leading to several nights of showdowns between law enforcement and unruly bad actors.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Deputies in riot gear, including helmets and shields, amassed in the area this afternoon as protesters decrying the federal enforcement actions grew unruly.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 June 2025
But her unruly secrets reflect the uncomfortable truths that are so often hidden in our own histories.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unruly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unruly
Adjective
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From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
-
The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
-
If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 July 2025
-
The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.—
Time,
Time,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Florent, the restaurant, stayed open until 2008, when the rent became unmanageable; the building sold a few years later for $8.6 million.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
11 July 2025
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The most common reasons revolve around work-life balance, a lack of support and an unmanageable workload.—
Drew Gerber,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Attorney General Pam Bondi fired an additional nine DOJ staffers who worked on criminal cases against President Trump last week.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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This is not the first time Songz has come under criminal investigation for assault.—
Rachel Scharf,
Billboard,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
-
Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Last year, for the first time in more than 20 years, Tweedy, the anarchic Scottish clown, who, with his pratfalls and pet clothing iron, Keef, provided the glue to every Giffords Circus performance, was not part of the cast.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
28 June 2025
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First, states live in an anarchic international system where no overarching authority exists to guarantee agreements and punish those who renege.—
Jennifer Kavanagh,
Foreign Affairs,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unruly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unruly. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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