1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
had always been the most wayward of their three children
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
an institution to which wayward teens were often sent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wayward
Michael Reaves/Getty Images But a wayward drive on the 17th hole led to a double-bogey six and ultimately, a four shot loss to the World No. 1.
—
Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Flynn stars in the series in the pivotal role of Dickie Greenleaf, a wayward vagabond who is murdered by a grifter, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), who assumes Dickie’s identity.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
For a time, this combination of wayward emotional expression and cultural openness, this embrace of other forms of beauty, seemed to embody a new, modern ideal.
—Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Our walk was a saunter, a delightful, wayward, exploratory street haunting, to use Virginia Woolf’s term for the adventure and discovery of walking in the city.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wayward
Jack Milko, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Flynn stars in the series in the pivotal role of Dickie Greenleaf, a wayward vagabond who is murdered by a grifter, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), who assumes Dickie’s identity.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
For a time, this combination of wayward emotional expression and cultural openness, this embrace of other forms of beauty, seemed to embody a new, modern ideal.
—Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Our walk was a saunter, a delightful, wayward, exploratory street haunting, to use Virginia Woolf’s term for the adventure and discovery of walking in the city.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wayward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wayward
Adjective
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From the start, Handy argues, the on-screen adventures in teen movies have been targeted to a double audience of rebellious teens and anxious adults.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2025
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In addition to provoking rebellious and impulsive actions, this unpredictable synergy can abruptly derail plans.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.—
Sal Recchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Serena became an integral part of the rebel movement to destroy Gilead.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
22 June 2025
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But on Friday, the beer maker said the situation had deteriorated further, and that armed personnel had taken control of its facilities in Bukavu and Goma - eastern Congo’s two biggest cities, now under rebel control - and nearby areas.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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That’s what makes their fourth studio album, Lucius, almost defiant in its return to form.—
Marissa R. Moss,
Rolling Stone,
11 June 2025
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Asked about his potential exit at the weekend while on international duty for Germany, Ter Stegen was defiant.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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This top detangling brush is suitable for every hair texture, from tight coils to super straight hair types, as its innovative design effortlessly and thoroughly combs through all kinds of unruly strands.—
Olivia Cigliano,
Footwear News,
12 June 2025
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About 150 people have been arrested at the protests, which have included flareups of unruly clashes, vandalism and looting, but have remained limited to a few blocks in the city's downtown area.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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And the recalcitrant public statements by Mr. Trump and members of his cabinet have raised questions about whether his administration is openly defying the Supreme Court’s instructions — and what, if anything, might be done about that.—
Alan Feuer,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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In response, these recalcitrant members of Congress simply refused to adopt must-pass federal reapportionment legislation.—
Made by History,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Commenters had a lot to say, and many of them highlighted an often uncontrollable difference between generations: financial insecurity.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
26 June 2025
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In both cases, the objective was to signal strength while minimizing the chance of escalation into uncontrollable conflict.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Cruz was the fourth of her parents’ eight children and willful from a young age.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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Importantly, and unlike the ICA, willful violations of the ADA can incur criminal penalties.—
Doug Criscitello,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wayward. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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