Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

recalcitrant

[ri-kal-si-truhnt] / rɪˈkæl sɪ trənt /


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.

Ms. Goldstein imagines a sweet spot that allows us to “objectively distinguish between better and worse ways to satisfy the longing to matter” while being “expansive enough to accommodate us in all our recalcitrant diversity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Bessent's comments come after he called India a "bit recalcitrant" on trade negotiations in an interview with Fox Business on Tuesday.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2025

“As a career law enforcement officer and a career officer with ICE, I’ve been dealing with these recalcitrant countries for years,” said acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Maybe it is just a bunch of recalcitrant teenagers.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

Any parent who has ever said to a recalcitrant child, “Okay, I’m going to count to ten and this time I’m really going to punish you,” knows the difference between deterrent and empty threat.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt




Vocabulary lists containing recalcitrant


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "recalcitrant" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com