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Definitions

wanton

[won-tn] / ˈwɒn tn /
ADJECTIVE
extravagant, lustful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lewd outrageous promiscuous shameless
STRONG
abandoned fast libertine profligate
WEAK
X-rated lax libidinous licentious speedy unprincipled unscrupulous wayward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decent good moral
STRONG
chaste
WEAK
careful clean gentle kind nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
ADJECTIVE
cruel, malicious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arbitrary gratuitous needless senseless unjust unjustifiable unjustified unprovoked vicious willful
STRONG
contrary double-crossing evil mean
WEAK
accidentally on purpose groundless inconsiderate malevolent merciless motiveless ornery perverse spiteful unasked uncalled-for unfair wayward wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
needed rational reasonable
WEAK
careful clean decent gentle kind moral nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
ADJECTIVE
careless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capricious extravagant outrageous reckless wasteful
STRONG
fluctuating free lavish prodigal rash spendthrift spoiled variable volatile wild
WEAK
changeable devil-may-care fanciful fickle fitful frivolous heedless hot-and-cold immoderate inconstant intemperate profuse thriftless unfettered unreserved unrestrained up and down whimsical
Antonyms
STRONGEST
economical reasonable sensible thrifty
STRONG
calm careful
WEAK
clean decent gentle kind moral nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
NOUN
profligate person
Synonyms
STRONG
debauchee libertine rake

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.

But it’s mostly a smart exploration of these two types: the wanton destroyer who relishes chaos and the wise, patient healer looking to preserve and protect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Pyongyang described his removal as a "wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose".

From Barron's • Jan. 4, 2026

He values skill, graciousness, and intellect and detests wanton corruption — especially when it touches him or someone he cares about.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2025

It could help prevent wanton destruction, while giving a fair hearing to justified criticisms and complaints that may not have been taken seriously.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2024

He laughed quietly, his sunken, shrewd eyes sparkling perceptively with a cynical and wanton enjoyment.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.