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perverse

Q: How does the adjective 'perverse' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perverse are balky , contrary , restive , and wayward . While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal. // a perverse , intractable critic

Q: When can 'balky' be used instead of 'perverse'?

Although the words balky and perverse have much in common, balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action. // a balky witness

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contrary' instead of 'perverse'?

In some situations, the words contrary and perverse are roughly equivalent. However, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice. // a contrary child

Q: Where would 'restive' be a reasonable alternative to 'perverse'?

The words restive and perverse can be used in similar contexts, but restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders. // tired soldiers growing restive

Q: When would 'wayward' be a good substitute for 'perverse'?

The synonyms wayward and perverse are sometimes interchangeable, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior. // a school for wayward youths

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Synonyms & Antonyms of perverse

1 easily irritated or annoyed

how can you be so cheerful one day, and so perverse the next?

Synonyms for perverse

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Phrases Synonymous with perverse

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2 having or showing lowered moral character or standards

social conservatives who believe that Hollywood is a perverse world that exerts an unhealthy influence on the young

Synonyms for perverse

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incorruptible

Antonyms for perverse

3 sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion

a fact so self-evident that not even the most perverse of opponents could deny it

Synonyms for perverse

Words Related to perverse

bloody-minded
[chiefly British],
cantankerous

Phrases Synonymous with perverse

deaf to reason

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Antonyms for perverse

4 not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation

a convicted criminal seemed like a perverse choice for a bank employee

Synonyms for perverse

Words Related to perverse

Phrases Synonymous with perverse

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Antonyms for perverse

Frequently Asked Questions About perverse

How does the adjective perverse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of perverse are balky, contrary, restive, and wayward. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

When can balky be used instead of perverse?

Although the words balky and perverse have much in common, balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When is it sensible to use contrary instead of perverse?

In some situations, the words contrary and perverse are roughly equivalent. However, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

Where would restive be a reasonable alternative to perverse?

The words restive and perverse can be used in similar contexts, but restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

When would wayward be a good substitute for perverse?

The synonyms wayward and perverse are sometimes interchangeable, but wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths