wayward

adjective

way·​ward ˈwā-wərd 

1

: following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable

a wayward child

2

: following no clear principle or law : unpredictable

3

: opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward

wayward fate

waywardly adverb

waywardness noun

Synonyms of wayward

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn

Choose the Right Synonym for wayward

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control.

contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Examples of wayward in a Sentence

parents of a wayward teenager

had always been the most wayward of their three children

Recent Examples on the Web

With the game tied at 66 in the closing moments, a wayward pass by Tommies guard Austin Herro from under the basket was intercepted by Fighting Hawks guard Eli King. —Tom Carothers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

That mulch covering the not-so-lovely fabric traps wayward weed seeds and nurtures them. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

With 97 minutes on the clock, one more goal kick followed after a wayward Brighton cross. —Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Over time, Sufien becomes more mercurial, even wayward, but the complex patriarch is always treated with love. —Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wayward

adjective

way·​ward ˈwā-wərd 

1

: tending to do as one pleases : disobedient

wayward children

2

: not following a rule or regular course of action

waywardly adverb

waywardness noun