Refractory and Responsive
Opposite meaning words
Refractory
Refractory adjective - Given to resisting control or discipline by others.
Usage example: believing that rules are only for other people, he's been refractory virtually his entire life
Responsive is an antonym for refractory.
Responsive
Responsive adjective - Readily reacting or replying to people or events or stimuli; showing emotion.
Usage example: children are often the quickest and most responsive members of the audience
Refractory is an antonym for responsive.
Cite this Source
Responsive and Refractory. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/refractory/responsive
Refractory & Responsive. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/refractory/responsive>.
Responsive or Refractory. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/refractory/responsive.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "refractory" and "responsive" have occurred on timeline