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.

"Congratulations," the fake letter stated, "you have been selected as a Wayward Steward exchange home for homeless immigrants and victims of foreign wars."

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

Wayward three-point shooting doomed Virginia Tech as well.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

In the "official" chart, Please, Please Me was denied the top spot by yodelling crooner Frank Ifield and his song Wayward Wind.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2022

“We called it `Aunt Sherri and Uncle Jerry’s Home for Wayward Teens,’” she said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2022

Wayward strings of lightbulbs hang overhead, beyond which I can see the mirrored, upside-down version of the city hanging down toward us from the sky.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Vocabulary lists containing wayward

Romeo and Juliet

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