wayward

adjective

way·​ward ˈwā-wərd 

1

: following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable

a wayward child

2

: following no clear principle or law : unpredictable

3

: opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward

wayward fate

waywardly adverb

waywardness noun

Synonyms

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant
• stubborn

Choose the Right Synonym for wayward

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control.

contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

Examples of wayward in a Sentence

parents of a wayward teenager

had always been the most wayward of their three children

Recent Examples on the Web

For these folks, this week’s bizarre introduction to the business side of MLS and international football may feel like a wayward soccer ball to the chops. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025

When Anisimova got to the ball on the deuce side, her forehand was wayward. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Madsen plays Brian Fenton, a college professor desperately trying to prop up a failing career and steer a wayward son away from drugs and personal ruin, while coming to grips with his own mysterious father’s descent into dementia. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 July 2025

Even loyal fans may take occasional issue with a feature that’s by turns absurdist, philosophical, violent, wayward, satirical and baffling. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wayward

adjective

way·​ward ˈwā-wərd 

1

: tending to do as one pleases : disobedient

wayward children

2

: not following a rule or regular course of action

waywardly adverb

waywardness noun