1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
had always been the most wayward of their three children
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
-
The chancellor is caught between febrile bond markets worried about government debt levels across advanced economies and rebellious Labour lawmakers who recently forced the government to pull back on reforms to welfare spending.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 July 2025
-
Once Audrey Hepburn was seen in a pair of the prototypical capri pants, everyone wanted to own them, and de Lennart’s hero product was later donned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: appreciated for its originally rebellious intentions and modern-woman appeal.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 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
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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
-
Whether Hong Kong’s notoriously unruly taxi sector will buy in remains to be seen.—
Clay Chandler,
Fortune,
19 July 2025
-
While the following signs may seem somewhat random, they’re all caused by excess inflammation tied to an unruly immune system.—
Alice Oglethorpe,
SELF,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Whitmer and recalcitrant lawmakers deserve an equal share of the blame for the lame duck flameout.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
The United States has long sought to deport immigrants to third countries when their own home nation is recalcitrant or won't accept their own deportees.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
Owners are increasingly savvy about distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable costs.—
Tyler Christiansen,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
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After doing so, Haley couldn't contain herself and broke out in uncontrollable laughter.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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The Bakersfield woman was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of willful cruelty to a child, according to online court records.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wayward. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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