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

The tech world has always had a self-consciously rebellious relationship with societal norms.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2026
Costarring Katey Sagal, Amy Davidson, James Garner, and David Spade, the series followed the futile attempts of Ritter’s Paul Hennessy and Sagal’s Cate Hennessy to tame their rebellious teenage daughter, Bridget (Cuoco).

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

To sleep, no more Two scientists who identified the role that a key neuropeptide plays in the uncontrollable sleepiness of narcolepsy were one of three recipients of the prestigious Lasker Awards, announced Thursday.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

The ultimate distinction, Raji said, is whether an adverse finding produces consequences.

— Barbara Booth, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Rather than fight an injunction motion — and potentially be forced to appeal an adverse ruling — Paramount chose instead to concede the issue and concentrate its trial defense.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 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

Taylor, who led the rebel movement before becoming Liberia's president, was later convicted of aiding and abetting crimes committed by rebel forces in neighboring Sierra Leone.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
The city, traditionally a key cultural center, is also home to around 1 million people and in 2014 became a hub of anti-Houthi resistance after the rebel group seized the capital Sanaa.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 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

Browse Nearby Words

untouched

untoward

untowardness

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Cite this Entry

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“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of untoward

adjective

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