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
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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
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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
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If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tucked in a corner of the dining room is what Price claims is the last photo ever taken of the rebel abolitionist John Brown, set in an ornate and rusted frame.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
-
The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
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
-
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
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Some footage in the doc shows officers clubbing unruly revelers.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
These arachnids suck juices from the tomato plants and seemingly all of a sudden build large uncontrollable populations.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Despite months of meticulous planning, there will always be uncontrollable variables that require monitoring..—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Court records show Rahman pleaded guilty Jan. 17 to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified national defense information.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
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Alsup ordered a trial in December to determine damages, which can reach up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement.—
Lauren Harvey,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wayward. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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