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.

That’s especially true of the demographic of women who watch the network, who are also the prime audience for Hallmark movies about wayward daughters returning home to marry the boy next door.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

On Thursday, MacIntyre had also sworn after a slightly wayward tee shot on the 12th hole and again after hitting a putt off the green on the 13th.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Analysts brushed off the chance the strike was a case of accidential targeting or some drones gone wayward.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Instead of its wayward divagations around the dial it swung smoothly from one picture to another.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Vocabulary lists containing wayward

Romeo and Juliet

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Spinnin' Around

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The One and Only Ivan

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