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Showing results for wanton. Search instead for wantonn.
Definitions

wanton

[won-tn] / ˈwɒn tn /
ADJECTIVE
extravagant, lustful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lewd outrageous promiscuous shameless
STRONG
abandoned fast libertine profligate
WEAK
X-rated lax libidinous licentious speedy unprincipled unscrupulous wayward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decent good moral
STRONG
chaste
WEAK
careful clean gentle kind nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
ADJECTIVE
cruel, malicious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arbitrary gratuitous needless senseless unjust unjustifiable unjustified unprovoked vicious willful
STRONG
contrary double-crossing evil mean
WEAK
accidentally on purpose groundless inconsiderate malevolent merciless motiveless ornery perverse spiteful unasked uncalled-for unfair wayward wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
needed rational reasonable
WEAK
careful clean decent gentle kind moral nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
ADJECTIVE
careless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capricious extravagant outrageous reckless wasteful
STRONG
fluctuating free lavish prodigal rash spendthrift spoiled variable volatile wild
WEAK
changeable devil-may-care fanciful fickle fitful frivolous heedless hot-and-cold immoderate inconstant intemperate profuse thriftless unfettered unreserved unrestrained up and down whimsical
Antonyms
STRONGEST
economical reasonable sensible thrifty
STRONG
calm careful
WEAK
clean decent gentle kind moral nice observant righteous thoughtful wise
NOUN
profligate person
Synonyms
STRONG
debauchee libertine rake

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Such wanton destruction of the German cultural scene, such self-inflicted insularity, must not be allowed to happen," it said.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

But it’s mostly a smart exploration of these two types: the wanton destroyer who relishes chaos and the wise, patient healer looking to preserve and protect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Yet, Kay sees something of herself in this twentysomething table tennis prodigy: wanton ambition and the thrill of the chase.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Ecocide is defined by experts as a "wanton" act of destruction, carried out with "reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated."

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024

He laughed quietly, his sunken, shrewd eyes sparkling perceptively with a cynical and wanton enjoyment.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller