Stubborn, often defiant of authority; difficult to manage or control. “After months of recalcitrant behavior, the employee was terminated.”

Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. “The marketing department could not explain the anomalous sales performance.”

1. Quarrelsome or combative in nature; belligerent. 2. Expressing an argument or opinion very forcefully. “Rather than maintaining a calm demeanor, his boss was quite pugnacious.”

Of or relating to the pleasant aspects of country life. “He retired to a more bucolic life on his farm.”

To appease or pacify; make (someone) less angry or hostile. “The customer service representative tried to placate the dissatisfied customer.”

Not conforming to type; unusual or irregular. Deviating from what is usual or common or to be expected; often somewhat odd or strange. “The strong sales were atypical of the normally weak market.”

Being or seeming to be everywhere, or in all places, at the same time; omnipresent. “Ubiquitous cell phones.”

Happening by accident or chance. Happening by a fortunate accident or chance. Lucky or fortunate. “The check could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.”

Lacking flavor or zest; not tasty. Lacking qualities that excite, stimulate, or interest; dull. “The insipid play caused many to walk out of the theater.”

Having great volume, fullness, size, or number; ample or lengthy in speech or writing. “Voluminous paperwork.”