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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Archer, who also struggled against Nepal on Sunday, was wayward with his lines.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

And then there was the wayward genius I bumped into on the shore of Prince William Sound in 1981.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing wayward

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