perverse

[per-vurs] / pərˈvɜrs /

ADJECTIVE

mean, ornery; troublesome

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contradictory wicked

WEAK

abnormal bad-tempered cantankerous capricious contrary contumacious corrupt crabby cross degenerate delinquent depraved deviant disobedient dogged erring fractious hard-nosed headstrong intractable intransigent irritable miscreant mulish nefarious obdurate obstinate petulant pigheaded rebellious refractory rotten self-willed spiteful stubborn unhealthy unmanageable unreasonable unyielding villainous wayward willful

Antonyms

WEAK

agreeable compliant happy nice reasonable willing

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.

Markets tied to elections, violent events or outcomes that participants can directly influence create perverse incentives that outweigh any informational benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The perverse reality is that the court’s use of history in Callais couldn’t be more backward.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

“The most perverse scenario … is a further equities grind sideways to slightly down, but no crash/no shocks,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

Adam Smith understood that protectionism creates perverse incentives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Out of some perverse pride, Uncle had told them to use those sheets for the tent.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep

Vocabulary lists containing perverse

Romeo and Juliet

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The Balcony Scene from "Romeo and Juliet"

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"Marigolds"

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