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Showing results for wayward. Search instead for waywardly.
Definitions

wayward

[wey-werd] / ˈweɪ wərd /
ADJECTIVE
contrary, unmanageable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capricious delinquent errant erratic headstrong rebellious recalcitrant unruly
WEAK
aberrant arbitrary balky changeable contumacious cross-grained disobedient disorderly fickle flighty fractious froward immoral inconstant incorrigible insubordinate intractable mulish obdurate obstinate ornery perverse refractory restive self-indulgent self-willed stubborn uncompliant undependable ungovernable unpredictable unstable variable whimsical willful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compliant dependable obedient steady
WEAK
controllable manageable

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.

Analysts brushed off the chance the strike was a case of accidential targeting or some drones gone wayward.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Dotting the shoreline is a bleak expanse of detritus: timeworn pumps, tottering derricks, wayward cranes and aging pipelines.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

Could it be used for more than just a wayward puppy?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Djokovic, aiming for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, was wayward, error-strewn and irritable against the inspired Italian in front of a stunned crowd.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Petra crossed her legs, tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.