Synonyms for Fractious (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (stubbornly resistant to authority or control):
recalcitrant, refractoryWordNet sense 2 (easily irritated or annoyed):
cranky, irritable, nettlesome, peevish, pettish, petulant, scratchy, testy, peckish, techy, tetchyWordNet sense 3 (not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure):
hardFrom the ODE community, based on WordNetadd/edit