Recalcitrant
hardrih-KAL-sih-trunt
adjective
Definition
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude
Examples
“The recalcitrant student refused to follow rules.”
“Recalcitrant nations blocked the international agreement.”
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
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
truculent
Eager to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
Master recalcitrant and 800+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.