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.

Starring Nicholas Galitzine as a wayward Prince Adam trapped on Earth, “Masters of the Universe” adds a contemporary twist and some modern sensibilities to the lore.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

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

From Slate • May 14, 2026

That’s especially true of the demographic of women who watch the network, who are also the prime audience for Hallmark movies about wayward daughters returning home to marry the boy next door.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

In the scarcely less crucial role of Biff, the Lomans’ wayward elder son, on whom Willy has pinned his hopes as the redeemer of his own failures, Mr. Abbott is a revelation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

A wayward teardrop slipped down the side of my nose.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Vocabulary lists containing wayward

Romeo and Juliet

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The One and Only Ivan

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