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 salt-and-pepper hair in a long quaff, round glasses and broad smile give James Ortiz the look of a whimsical inventor, the kind that hides away in his workshop crafting extraordinary artifacts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Mr. Swaim writes the Unruly Republic column for the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

“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

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

From Washington Times • Apr. 19, 2022

Unruly mob pressed around him laughing and jeering; wild with delight.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 12, 1890 by Various

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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