1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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4
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
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Recent Examples of untoward
In addition, negating painful memories and trying to proceed as if everything is normal contorts one’s emotional life and results in untoward effects.
—
George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
In the entertainment world, even mere accusations of untoward actions have caused the removal of K-pop idols from their groups, their existence never to be acknowledged again.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
And the ratios in the new box have the right numbers—no untoward gaps to reduce your forward momentum.
—Patrick Bedard, Car and Driver, 26 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for untoward
George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
In the entertainment world, even mere accusations of untoward actions have caused the removal of K-pop idols from their groups, their existence never to be acknowledged again.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
And the ratios in the new box have the right numbers—no untoward gaps to reduce your forward momentum.
—Patrick Bedard, Car and Driver, 26 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
Adjective
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Mexican music has always been rock-ish in spirit — sincere, rebellious, a direct message that invites you to rebel against the world.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
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Strahovski shares details about her character’s state of mind the moment when everything changed with a bold and rebellious move, after finding love again with Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), below.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
22 June 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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Risks and precautions Research has shown that NSAIDs have multiple adverse effects and should be used with caution, both doctors pointed out.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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Hall’s Visual Language Access and Acquisition Lab is a leader in researching those adverse effects and possible solutions.—
Alan Schwarz,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Still, Hinge, as part of Match Group, is using AI for coaching features that help users improve their profile, choose better photos, and filter inappropriate messages before they’re sent.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
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The banning of a Chicago White Sox fan from Rate Field for inappropriate heckling of Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte was a good first step, writes Paul Sullivan.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 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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Macroeconomic Vulnerability Broadcom’s stock has exhibited lower resilience during unfavorable market conditions compared to the overall market.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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The deal allegedly promised Netanyahu positive coverage in Mozes’ newspaper Yediot Ahronoth while the Israeli Prime Minister would consider legislation unfavorable to rival newspaper Israel Hayom.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Before then, an officer could only cite you for using your phone after you had been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or an improper lane change.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
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In 2023, auditors found A1’s Frederick County branch engaged in improper scheduling and monitoring.—
Glynis Kazanjian,
Baltimore Sun,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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When was the last time a contrary viewpoint actually changed your team's direction?—
Tracy Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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In another case decided earlier this term, the Supreme Court found the FDA acted lawfully in rejecting two other vaping companies’ applications, reversing the 5th Circuit’s contrary decision.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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