WAYWARDNESS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

waywardness

noun

Definition of waywardness

as in rebellion

refusal to obey the unremitting waywardness of the child frustrated her parents at times

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for waywardness

Noun

In several instances these rituals were utilized during slave rebellions; the New York slave rebellion of 1712 reportedly began with a pact sealed in blood and powder, a practice with African religious parallels.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Freedom matters to you more than keeping up with traditions, which is where your financial savviness comes into play, not to mention rebellion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebellion

Noun

The recent stock market advance has been impressive in its defiance of major concerns, as a bullish consensus takes shape on Wall Street.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
The device’s user manual also warns it should not be used in response to verbal defiance, or for punishment, torture or horseplay.

— Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of defiance

Noun

Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.

— Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026

Definition of willfulness

Noun

Whether writing five decades ago or today, the genre’s most insightful commentators have always observed how punk fuses rebelliousness with commodification, capitalism with resistance.

— Kyle Devine, Longreads, 14 July 2026
Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic.

— Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Definition of rebelliousness

Noun

Another child said he was forced to carry out artillery strikes and beaten for disobedience.

— Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
But many Catholics, including conservative and traditional ones, are opposed to the consecrations, viewing them as an act of severe disobedience to the pope that hurts the church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of disobedience

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wayward

waywardness

weak

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“Waywardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waywardness. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of waywardness

noun

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