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.

My wayward wrist was so prone to ruining my cast, I was given a wrist lock—a leather strap that restrained it in place—in order to fix it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 5, 2026

Rashford was England's dangerman in the first half and also had opportunities after the break, although he was sometimes let down by a lack of support and some wayward finishing.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

Soon after, cardholders complained on social media about problems including delayed rent payments, wayward charges and trouble reaching customer service.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

How long will the wayward cruise ship passengers stay in Omaha?

From Slate • May 14, 2026

Our eyes are peeled for bears, lynxes, wayward hunters—any creature that might call the mountains home.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Vocabulary lists containing wayward

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