Recalcitrant
hardNegative tonerih-KAL-sih-trunt
adjective
Definition
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude
Memory hook
RE-CALCITRANT: kicking BACK like a stubborn horse — obstinately uncooperative.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The recalcitrant student refused to follow rules.”
“Recalcitrant nations blocked the international agreement.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ student refused to follow rules.”
Show answer
recalcitrant
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Recalcitrant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "defiant" or "refractory" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "compliant".
Related GRE Words
intractable
difficult to manage, control, or solve
intransigent
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or agree; uncompromising
refractory
Stubborn or unmanageable; resistant to treatment
mulish
Resembling or characteristic of a mule; stubborn
pigheaded
Stupidly obstinate
obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
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