1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
had always been the most wayward of their three children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stubborn
given to resisting control or discipline by others
an institution to which wayward teens were often sent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wayward
Palud follows the same aberration when Being Maria tracks Schneider’s descent into heroin addiction, her wayward film career, family turmoil, and bisexuality.
—
Armond White, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
To get to the hole on the 141-yard par three, players must avoid the large lake encompassing the green – a watery grave for many a wayward golf shot.
—George Ramsay, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
For 109 years, Florida sent wayward boys from across the state to Dozier — and the series chronicled the men who survived the school and demanded acknowledgment, resolution and reparation.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
The battle between parents and wayward children is the archetypal plot of modernization.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wayward
Armond White, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
To get to the hole on the 141-yard par three, players must avoid the large lake encompassing the green – a watery grave for many a wayward golf shot.
—George Ramsay, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
For 109 years, Florida sent wayward boys from across the state to Dozier — and the series chronicled the men who survived the school and demanded acknowledgment, resolution and reparation.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
The battle between parents and wayward children is the archetypal plot of modernization.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wayward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wayward
Adjective
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Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Nazanin Lankarani,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Lamar Johnson’s Henry Burrell was a collaborator on the run from a rebel group different from The Fireflies in Kansas City, where the QZ and all FEDRA presence had been dissolved.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 2025
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In the wake of the earthquake, the shadow government in exile, known as the National Unity Government, and an alliance of three rebel groups announced cease-fires.—
Sui-Lee Wee,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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More: China defiant, accuses Trump of 'blackmail' over 104% tariff threat: Live updates On Monday, Trump described similar negotiations underway with Japan as world leaders try to convince the U.S. president to roll back his new tariffs on all imports.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
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What To Know Trump has remained defiant despite mounting fears of recession and a plunging stock market.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The union is much looser—still an unruly collection of proud, independent nations, not a federation of states.—
Tamar Jacoby,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Our spring cleaning storefront has organizational staples for tackling unruly drawers, closets, and pantries.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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New young friends were happy to de-bollix our recalcitrant computer.—
Murr Brewster,
Christian Science Monitor,
16 Apr. 2025
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For recalcitrant teams, Scherzer would also remove the runner who automatically starts each inning after the ninth in scoring position on second base, creating a significant handicap.—
Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By systematically reviewing and understanding the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, informed decisions that align with financial goals can be made, setting the stage for the future.—
Ira Walker,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Plaintiffs also can seek punitive damages if malice, fraud, knowledge or willful avoidance can be proven.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
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But this season, showrunner Mike White pinpoints the willful decadence of the Western world, primarily through Yankees: the husband, wife, and 2.5 children of the Ratliff family, three freewheeling feminist matrons, plus a shady white bachelor and a single black mother.—
Armond White,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wayward. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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