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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wayward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wayward are balky, contrary, perverse, and restive. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

When can balky be used instead of wayward?

The synonyms balky and wayward are sometimes interchangeable, but balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When would contrary be a good substitute for wayward?

The meanings of contrary and wayward largely overlap; however, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

When might perverse be a better fit than wayward?

While the synonyms perverse and wayward are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

In what contexts can restive take the place of wayward?

The words restive and wayward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

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 wayward Rather than trying to eliminate leaf miners, focus on keeping your lemon tree healthy by fertilizing it as needed, watering it deeply during prolonged drought, and properly pruning broken and wayward branches. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025 The wayward panelist was replaced with an alternate juror who is white. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 16 June 2025 Ideally, that should leave ample time to develop and deploy a spacecraft to learn more about it and redirect the wayward space rock if necessary. IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2025 Recently kicked out of school for selling drugs in an effort to help his friends, Steve is clever yet wayward and drowning in debt. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wayward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wayward
Adjective
  • From director James DeMonaco, creator of The Purge franchise, actor-comedian Davidson plays Max in The Home, a rebellious twenty-something sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The story follows rebellious young demigod Ne Zha, who wrestles with his powers and the threat of humanity’s destruction.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Economists also will keep an eye on shelter prices, which have been a stubborn component keeping readings higher.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The country is currently led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa who was appointed transitional president last March, having acted as its de-facto leader following Al-Assad’s flight to Russia.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 July 2025
  • The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the west—though no rebel army materialized to oppose them.
    Time, Time, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Monday, asked about the poll proposal at an unrelated event, Adams was defiant.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Trump's defiant response in Butler, Penn., may have fueled his big Election Day gains among male voters.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The secondary villain is a doddering, power-hungry elderly man with an unruly mop of hair and a flock of advisors who constantly shower him with unearned praise.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
  • Some footage in the doc shows officers clubbing unruly revelers.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • This version of it will be complex, with significant power wielded by the United States and China but with major roles for other players, including an increasingly autonomous Europe, a recalcitrant Russia, and an ever more powerful India.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Owners are increasingly savvy about distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable costs.
    Tyler Christiansen, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • After doing so, Haley couldn't contain herself and broke out in uncontrollable laughter.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Likewise, Elon Musk, one of the world's most effective transmitters of AGI hype, announced safety assurances that cleverly imply a willful or dangerous AI.
    Eric Siegel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Now the 20-year-old mother has been charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and two felony counts of willful cruelty to a child, according to court records.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wayward. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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