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

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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

Twenty-nine years have passed since then, yet the memory of the princess—an empathetic woman who defied convention, vulnerable yet rebellious, and imbued with a profound humanity—remains vivid and very much alive in the eyes of the entire world.

— Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
Next month, broader audiences will discover Halkias’s rebellious brand of humor with Uncle Stav, his latest Netflix standup special, a follow-up to 2023’s Fat Rascal.

— Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

The engineer abruptly resigned after refusing to contribute to a reckless corporate competition that could ultimately lead to uncontrollable AI.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Tail Town abides by that policy and aims to educate people about uncontrollable factors that could spook a cat outdoors like cars, dogs and wildlife.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

The Ukraine international forward last played a competitive match for Chelsea in November 2024, and has been suspended under anti-doping rules after an adverse finding in a urine sample.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Instead, she was given a spate of different medications over a matter of months to treat her symptoms or the adverse reactions to some of the medications.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

The Star spoke to 11 current and former employees who have worked for Sanders and who all detailed various types of abuse and inappropriate behavior that had allegedly taken place at their workplace.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
The inappropriate touching included slapping her on the buttocks and touching her hair and thighs, the report states.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

The Ebola outbreak is spreading across six provinces in eastern Congo in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, fueled by rebel violence, displacement and intense population movements.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Its interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former al-Qa’eda militant who led the rebel offensive that overthrew dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has been struggling to rebuild a nation devastated by almost 14 years of civil war.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

The Raiders caught Johnson in unfavorable mismatches a few times and exploited it.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Good opportunities should create attractive potential upside without placing the organization in a position where one unfavorable outcome becomes catastrophic.

— Brian Ferdinand, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

Common exclusions can include pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance or installation, structural problems and certain issues involving rust, corrosion or sediment buildup.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Medicare, Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit and SNAP were the four government programs with the highest amount of improper payments in 2025.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of improper

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untouched

untoward

untowardness

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“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of untoward

adjective

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