Definitions

wayward

[wey-werd] / ˈweɪ wərd /

ADJECTIVE

contrary, unmanageable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capricious delinquent errant erratic headstrong rebellious recalcitrant unruly

WEAK

aberrant arbitrary balky changeable contumacious cross-grained disobedient disorderly fickle flighty fractious froward immoral inconstant incorrigible insubordinate intractable mulish obdurate obstinate ornery perverse refractory restive self-indulgent self-willed stubborn uncompliant undependable ungovernable unpredictable unstable variable whimsical willful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliant dependable obedient steady

WEAK

controllable manageable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over” centers on a wayward traveler in a post-apocalyptic, decaying landscape.

From Los Angeles Times

The identity of her father is unknown, but she aches for her mother who, as a wayward teenager, quickly handed off newborn Annie to her grandmother before disappearing from their lives.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent months, the King has been treading a balancing act in dealing with his wayward brother.

From BBC

Dotting the shoreline is a bleak expanse of detritus: timeworn pumps, tottering derricks, wayward cranes and aging pipelines.

From Los Angeles Times

Could it be used for more than just a wayward puppy?

From The Wall Street Journal

wayward

Example Sentences

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