1
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
that novel was once regarded as a wanton tale of forbidden love
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in passionate
having a strong sexual desire
in earlier times, novelists usually portrayed wanton women as coming to a bad end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cruel
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
a wanton attack on unarmed civilians
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wanton
Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
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
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2025
There are tons of wanton claims about new potential prompting techniques and few that withstand the intense scrutiny of heads-down truth-seeking research.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wanton
Adjective
The storyline revolves around a delicious plot twist that the film’s trailer unfortunately gives away in wanton fashion, so my presenting a spoiler alert seems a bit superfluous.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
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
Noun
Jacob Mosley, 23, faces charges of first degree wanton endangerment, second degree assault and second degree criminal abuse in relation to the shooting, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson John Bradley confirmed.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2025
There are tons of wanton claims about new potential prompting techniques and few that withstand the intense scrutiny of heads-down truth-seeking research.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wanton
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wanton
Adjective
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Lawsuit alleges 'obscene' government overreach Longo's lawsuit, filed in Chemung County, New York, names the county, the city of Elmira and several DEC officers as defendants.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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The court acknowledged that protecting minors from material that would be considered obscene from their perspective was a compelling government interest.—
Noah Feldman,
Mercury News,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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When colleges support these efforts, faculty champions are able to build powerful partnerships around campus, while passionate students find creative and effective ways to connect with their peers.—
Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
New hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars staffed by passionate locals and patronized by an in-the-know clientele have begun to push Nice back into the spotlight.—
Sloane Crosley,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Each of us should demand our local leaders challenge every one of the immoral and cruel state laws and the Gestapo-like raids and inhumane detainments carried out by ICE agents.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
-
Even critics who considered his policies cruel and racist – and there were many – admitted that behind the bluster there was the charm of a true believer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
-
Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.—
Terry Gross,
NPR,
17 July 2025
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Users must also opt-in to see the vulgar version of Bad Rudi, rather than a more family-friendly version known simply as Rudi.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Menu highlights include the hot honey chicken sandwich, loaded hot Nashville fries and classic hot tenders. Details: 8386 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 103, Peoria.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the two hottest days on record for Tennessee occurred less than two weeks apart in 1930.—
Joyce Orlando,
The Tennessean,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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According to an arrest affidavit obtained by USA Today, the 21-year-old approached a woman from behind at a self-checkout lane at a Walmart in Tennessee, and launched into a brutal attack.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
23 July 2025
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This created a growing population of vulnerable, undocumented workers in the 1960s and ’70s who increasingly faced brutal apprehensions.—
Jimmy Patino,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Who wouldn't want to experience love for the first time against the lustful backdrop of fictional Cousins Beach, an idyllic East Coast town, Walker said.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
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Rather than being lustful or playful, there’s a nervousness and a discomfort about her.—
Jesse David Fox,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Wanton.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wanton. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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