1
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
that novel was once regarded as a wanton tale of forbidden love
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in passionate
having a strong sexual desire
in earlier times, novelists usually portrayed wanton women as coming to a bad end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cruel
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
a wanton attack on unarmed civilians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wanton
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Spider-Man rescues and moves the pets while avoiding Butane's wanton destruction, before putting him down for the count with the help of a giant fish tank.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2025
There are tons of wanton claims about new potential prompting techniques and few that withstand the intense scrutiny of heads-down truth-seeking research.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wanton
Adjective
The storyline revolves around a delicious plot twist that the film’s trailer unfortunately gives away in wanton fashion, so my presenting a spoiler alert seems a bit superfluous.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Spider-Man rescues and moves the pets while avoiding Butane's wanton destruction, before putting him down for the count with the help of a giant fish tank.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
Jacob Mosley, 23, faces charges of first degree wanton endangerment, second degree assault and second degree criminal abuse in relation to the shooting, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson John Bradley confirmed.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2025
There are tons of wanton claims about new potential prompting techniques and few that withstand the intense scrutiny of heads-down truth-seeking research.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wanton
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wanton
Adjective
-
The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.—
Meg Leta Jones,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
-
Lawsuit alleges 'obscene' government overreach Longo's lawsuit, filed in Chemung County, New York, names the county, the city of Elmira and several DEC officers as defendants.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
His parents and siblings served in the military, but Bradley, who wouldn't qualify to serve because of severe vision impairment in his right eye, was passionate about helping his community in a different way.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
LeBron James is one of the latest to join the long list of stars from other sports who are passionate about golf.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
In an inordinately cowardly and cruel act, Rubio stayed away from the department that day, ignoring the men and women whose careers and life plans were decimated by his flippant decision-making.—
Lynn Northcutt Vega,
Sun Sentinel,
29 July 2025
-
A little more than a year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a decision from the Ninth Circuit that determined a ban on people sleeping in public was constitutionally cruel and unusual.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
Staff Pick: Sabrina Carpenter flirts with controversy (again) Sabrina Carpenter performs onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 2 in Los Angeles.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
18 June 2025
-
At the club later that night, Caio and Lawrence stand off to the side while the rest of the crew dances and flirts.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.—
Terry Gross,
NPR,
17 July 2025
-
Users must also opt-in to see the vulgar version of Bad Rudi, rather than a more family-friendly version known simply as Rudi.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Menu highlights include the hot honey chicken sandwich, loaded hot Nashville fries and classic hot tenders. Details: 8386 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 103, Peoria.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
-
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the two hottest days on record for Tennessee occurred less than two weeks apart in 1930.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
After the brutal ascent of Ventoux, sprinters get their spotlight.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
-
Mortensen not only survived the brutal massacre, but is also the only eyewitness to have seen Kohberger at the scene of the crime.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Who wouldn't want to experience love for the first time against the lustful backdrop of fictional Cousins Beach, an idyllic East Coast town, Walker said.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
Rather than being lustful or playful, there’s a nervousness and a discomfort about her.—
Jesse David Fox,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Wanton.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wanton. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share