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Definition of recalcitrant : Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory.

Synonyms:

recusant, fractious, wild, headstrong, pettish, nettlesome, restive, contumacious, cranky, impossible, resentful, order, trying, noncompliant, rebel, tetchy, restiff, vicious, peckish, thorny, refractory, peevish, mulish, scratchy, testy, untoward, irritable, obstreperous, resist, uncontrollable, frisky, awkward, restless, disorderly, indocile, critical, peace, froward, willful, fidgety, difficult, fretful, incontrollable, testing, control, skittish, incompliant, delicate, petulant, lawless, techy, impatient, intolerable

confrontational, resistant, audacious, daring, dissenting, challenging, stubborn, conflicting, obstinate, insolent, insurgent, bold

loath, reluctant, balky, unconsenting, uncooperative, resisting, irreconcilable, opposed, unwilling, disinclined, non-consenting, squeamish, unhelpful, indisposed, uncomplying, unyielding, hesitant, averse, noncooperative

disobeying, wayward, anarchistic, disloyal, ungovernable, mischievous, out of control, factious, treacherous, intractable, treasonous, disobedient, mutinous, disregardful, contrary, rebellious, nonconformist, subversive, traitorous, undisciplined, seditious, insubordinate, unmanageable, defiant, misbehaving, unruly

Usage examples:

• They are recalcitrant against law and order; every attempt at introducing these is denounced as an attack on their old laws: not that their laws are bad, but that they are badly administered. - "John Knox and the Reformation", Andrew Lang.
• This method has worked with many recalcitrant subjects. - "A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis", Melvin Powers.
• He was justified in disposing of a dangerous and recalcitrant prisoner. - "The Judgment House", Gilbert Parker.