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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.

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

The identity of her father is unknown, but she aches for her mother who, as a wayward teenager, quickly handed off newborn Annie to her grandmother before disappearing from their lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Trump visited the construction site, theatrically inspecting it like a mob boss checking on a wayward subordinate.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

More than ever he had the air of a teacher taking pains with a wayward but promising child.

From "1984" by George Orwell

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