untoward

adjective

ˌən-ˈtō-ərd How to pronounce untoward (audio)
Definition of untowardnext
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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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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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
  1. rebellious
  2. uncontrollable
  3. adverse
  4. inappropriate
  5. rebel
  6. unmanageable
  7. unfavorable
  8. improper
Adjective
  • The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Now, Pugh has entered the chat with the most rebellious version yet.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • Elementary school students may have tantrums, be clingy, have toileting accidents, engage in uncontrollable crying or become less talkative as a result of changes in schools, homes and caregivers.
    — Nikki R Wooten, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
  • DeStefano kicked into a quasi-rock groove on acoustic guitar, and the guys launched into a chorus about shaking off uncontrollable hassles and restoring positivity.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, were the most common adverse events, generally experienced as doses were increased.
    — Mike McRae October 09, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The team’s findings, published last week in Nature Communications, reveal that, when given such a drug, rodents suffer adverse reactions similar to the paranoia human cannabis users feel.
    — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • The Portland Trail Blazers fired new play-by-play television broadcaster Braiden Bell on Thursday when past inappropriate social media posts resurfaced just hours after the team announced his hiring.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sheriff’s officials said, investigators as of Thursday had not uncovered evidence indicating Chen had inappropriate physical contact with a child.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Quarterback Jim McMahon wore a headband and adopted a rebel stance while Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton led a powerful attack.
    — Ira Kaufman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Without the right architecture, cloud and connectivity costs could become unmanageable, limiting the benefits of the AI era.
    — David Kelly, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Pawlikowski’s mother and father, also named Zula and Wiktor, whose unmanageable love had kept them tangled and disentangled for decades, took their own lives in 1989, as the Cold War that had cast its chill upon their time was beginning to thaw.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of unmanageable
Adjective
  • The polling situation was similarly unfavorable to Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 and 2018 elections, but relatively minor in comparison with the disparity in tonight's electoral results.
    — David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • None of those circumstances turns an unfavorable employment decision into an unlawful one automatically.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Electrical issues — like faulty wiring, overloaded power strips, and improper extension cord usage — are the leading cause of fatal fires so far this year.
    — Lillian Bonsignore, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The action comes as Livingston locals raised concerns about the film’s impact on local business — and notably the city’s sole food bank — as well as improper notification about hazardous stunts.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of improper

Browse Nearby Words

untouched
untoward
untowardness
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Cite this Entry

“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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