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wanton

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noun

as in flirt
a person who playfully shows another amorous attention quite the wanton when he wants to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 wanton
Adjective
Spider-Man rescues and moves the pets while avoiding Butane's wanton destruction, before putting him down for the count with the help of a giant fish tank. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 The practice of slavery continued long after the abolition of the slave trade by France in 1818, with enslavers supported by the state for acts of astonishing, wanton violence. Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 She was charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wanton
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wanton
Adjective
  • The ex-data processor for the Boston Transportation Department was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of: rape of a child, assault to rape a child, indecent assault and battery on a child, disseminating obscene material to a minor, and possession of child pornography.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025
  • But the legal standard for what qualifies as obscene is extremely high.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • But housing advocates have been just as passionate about wanting to see more affordable housing in this area, particularly for seniors.
    Randy Mastro, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate have drawn huge, passionate crowds that serenade their heroes before, during and after matches.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • What is a totalitarian leader other than an individualist taking that creed to its cruel conclusions, erasing the uniqueness of every other person into mere characters in a drama?
    Ed Simon June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • This realization reconfigures the entire book, recasting their ongoing dialogue and seemingly cordial relations as an interstellar jail—and the novel itself into an extended, especially cruel prison sentence.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Staff Pick: Sabrina Carpenter flirts with controversy (again) Sabrina Carpenter performs onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 2 in Los Angeles.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 18 June 2025
  • At the club later that night, Caio and Lawrence stand off to the side while the rest of the crew dances and flirts.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Using vulgar, profane or indecent language in a loud or boisterous manner in the presence of children.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 June 2025
  • Between 12% and 13.3% of Americans, around 10% of Brits, and 9.4% of Australians used at least one vulgar word in their data.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite Benfica’s determination to preserve the core of a potentially special team, Fernandez returned to Portugal with Chelsea hot in pursuit.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • This refreshing treat will be enjoyed by everyone on a hot summer afternoon.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Royals lost to the Dodgers on Friday night, a brutal 5-4 loss as Jac Caglianone grounded into a double play to conclude the 11th straight home loss.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
  • The 28-year-old is playing on a medical exemption after a brutal stretch of injuries and illness.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rather than being lustful or playful, there’s a nervousness and a discomfort about her.
    Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The lustful reggaeton-bachata song about a twisted love affair would shock fans upon its release in the spring of 2005.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wanton.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wanton. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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