NONCOOPERATIVE Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

noncooperative

adjective

Definition of noncooperative

as in uncooperative

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of noncooperative The European Space Agency’s ClearSpace-1, planned for 2029, tackles the harder case by capturing the unprepared, noncooperative Proba-1 satellite and dragging it down to burn up. — Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 Dolphins that partnered with fishers also experienced a 13 percent boost in survival, compared with noncooperative ones, most likely because of the animals spending the majority of their time in the lagoon. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2023 The disclosures would also extend to activities in jurisdictions that are on the EU’s list of noncooperative jurisdictions. — Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Cooperative birds' cheating rate averaged around 12 percent, while noncooperative birds around 23 percent. — Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2010

Recent Examples of Synonyms for noncooperative

Adjective

The military prison study assessed whether the gloves could be used effectively to forcibly remove combative prisoners from their cells, to respond to disturbances in common areas and to transport uncooperative inmates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Congress could claw back some of its authority if committee chairs were prepared to subpoena those who refuse to testify, direct witnesses to answer pertinent questions, and pursue contempt proceedings against uncooperative witnesses.

— David Wippman, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncooperative

Adjective

Brian is a gee-whiz irritant, with a reckless attachment to the family’s conveniently recalcitrant dog and a knack for making dangerous situations worse.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
In their recalcitrant way, the balance tips more toward the sentimental than the cynical.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Definition of recalcitrant

Adjective

France avoided a credit downgrade from Moody’s, but the ratings agency painted a bleak picture of the eurozone’s second-largest economy that highlighted the risks from its intractable politics.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Soft-spoken in person but prolific on social media, Prince touts his work in Haiti as a model to other failing states with their own intractable security problems.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of intractable

Adjective

Now, as more schools like Central Middle station officers in their hallways, educators can turn to law enforcement when students are disobedient, even if the children are young or pose minimal threat.

— Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
Conduct disorder affects children and teens and involves a consistent pattern of disobedient and aggressive behaviors.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 21 May 2026

Definition of disobedient

Adjective

Angry and defiant, McQueen became a full throttle juvenile delinquent, and his mother sent him to the California Junior Boys Republic in Chino.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
From men wearing pink to push back against the pressures of toxic masculinity to women pushing back against unrealistic body standards, pink has become a color of defiant empathy.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of defiant

Adjective

And only DeMichelle’s Marguerite has the necessary command to bring this obstreperous monarch to heel.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
And when intelligence confirms that one of their vessels is engaged in armed smuggling operations, the president need not convene an obstreperous congressional committee before acting in such a manner to defend the American people.

— Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Definition of obstreperous

Adjective

Converse and Vaquera are coming together again with a rebellious spirit.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
In the episode on the 1993 timeline, the team intervenes when a general’s rebellious teen son is targeted by a dangerous former gang member.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebellious

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“Noncooperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noncooperative. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of noncooperative

adjective

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