UNTOWARD Synonyms: 345 Similar and Opposite Words

untoward

adjective

ˌən-ˈtō-ərd

Definition of untoward

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control tried to reason with the untoward child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncontrollable

given to resisting control or discipline by others a program for untoward teenagers that is designed to give them the kind of discipline that their parents were unable or unwilling to administer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adverse

opposed to one's interests achieved great success as an artist despite growing up in a very untoward milieu

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation unfortunately, one of the symptoms of dementia can be a tendency to make untoward and often shocking remarks

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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 untoward This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026 Despite denying anything untoward, Russini tendered her resignation within days, as a company investigation got underway. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026 Maradona reacted as if nothing untoward had happened, running across to celebrate in front of his father in the stand. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 June 2026 All sorts of untoward usage can be envisioned. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for untoward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward

Adjective

Its central character, Missie, a rebellious young woman who joins military intelligence, was inspired by Sue, who died in 2023 at age 99.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Follow rebellious 16-year-old Holden Caufield to New York City in Catcher in the Rye, in a tale that will evoke both humor and empathy from readers in equal measure.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

The gist is to live only in the present, not revel in previous success nor wallow in failure, and not to be concerned with what uncontrollable things could happen next.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Officers testified that Miller was resisting arrest and uncontrollable.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Then England attracted adverse attention for openly drinking in the Queensland resort of Noosa when 2-0 down in a one-sided Ashes series in Australia.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Women with high occupational heat exposure were roughly twice as likely to suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth as those working in cooler conditions, and faced elevated risks of adverse birth outcomes overall.

— Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

During the first week of school, a Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School teacher was placed on leave over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
The content was inappropriate and does not reflect our values.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

The outbreak is unfolding in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, with rebel threats and intense population movements.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Trump has increasingly embraced Sharaa, the former commander of al Qaeda’s Nusra Front who broke ties with the global jihadist network in 2016 and led the rebel coalition that overthrew Assad.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

The party has a 54% unfavorable rating compared to 40% favorable, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
But experts said the administration likely would appeal an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of hundreds of children and their families in doubt.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

According to the Office of the Inspector General, he was investigated for a string of civil rights violations, including improper searches and conduct unbecoming of an officer.

— Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Mummified remains may also pose a significant health hazard due to toxic substances used in their preservation and microbial growth due to improper storage.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Browse Nearby Words

untouched

untoward

untowardness

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“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of untoward

adjective

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