July 10, 2026

Recalcitrant

adjective

Definition

Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority; stubbornly resistant. A recalcitrant student refuses to follow rules regardless of consequences.

Example Sentence

“The recalcitrant suspect refused to answer any questions without his lawyer present.”

Etymology

From Latin recalcitrare (to kick back), from re- (back) + calcitrare (to kick), from calx (heel).

Scrabble Score

R1E1C3A1L1C3I1T1R1A1N1T1

RECALCITRANT scores 16 points in Scrabble.

Synonyms & Related Words

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