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Showing results for unruly. Search instead for unruli.
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.

The other stays raw — bright, fresh, slightly unruly.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Forrest’s fans were so unruly that they disrupted Macready’s performance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Associated noise-related issues range from unruly crowds to honking horns in overcrowded parking lots.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

"Whenever you're ready," says Thom Yorke, adopting the tone of a schoolteacher waiting for an unruly class to settle down, as Radiohead get ready to play their encore at London's O2 Arena.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Bethan giggled and pulled at her unruly curls.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry