1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
tried to reason with the untoward child
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uncontrollable
given to resisting control or discipline by others
a program for untoward teenagers that is designed to give them the kind of discipline that their parents were unable or unwilling to administer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests
achieved great success as an artist despite growing up in a very untoward milieu
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4
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
unfortunately, one of the symptoms of dementia can be a tendency to make untoward and often shocking remarks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of untoward
Using that data, the system monitors the dark web and other sources for any untoward activity involving that personal data.
—
PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
At the very least, Democrats and Republicans agree that wafting cigarette smoke in someone’s face and capturing their reaction on video — without first asking — is untoward.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
The specialized data training that followed the initial development of the generative AI app is supposed to curtail that type of untoward activity.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
The strong substance carries the potential to elicit numerous untoward side effects, such as tooth discoloration, damage to bones, cognitive defects, skin problems, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and a host of neurological conditions.
—Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for untoward
PC Magazine, 17 June 2025
At the very least, Democrats and Republicans agree that wafting cigarette smoke in someone’s face and capturing their reaction on video — without first asking — is untoward.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
The specialized data training that followed the initial development of the generative AI app is supposed to curtail that type of untoward activity.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
The strong substance carries the potential to elicit numerous untoward side effects, such as tooth discoloration, damage to bones, cognitive defects, skin problems, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and a host of neurological conditions.
—Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
Adjective
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The Opry had been wary of Cash's rebellious ways for some time, but this was the final straw.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Cole is the rebellious cool older brother with a secret heart of gold, while Alex is the reliable nerdy and sweet one who wants to come out from Cole's shadow.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Now, however, the United States is spiraling into a rapid and uncontrollable drawdown of its assets, pursuing short-term goals at the expense of long-term objectives.—
HENRY FARRELL,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
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The development also sparked an even bigger discussion about growth in Concord becoming uncontrollable.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Consumers who have experienced adverse reactions after using these products should report their symptoms and product use to their health care providers, the agency said.—
Adrienne Roberts,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Those measures include safeguards from adverse effects of federal activities, restrictions on hunting or development, and active conservation plans like seed planting or captive rearing of animals.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid anything offensive, violent or inappropriate.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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In the video, Adams accuses the man of being inappropriate with a minor on Grindr, a LGBTQ+ dating and social networking app where the minimum age to make an account is 18.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Originally, the many rebel groups fighting Assad’s forces included both secular and Islamic militias.—
Rami Zeedan,
The Conversation,
11 Aug. 2025
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After all, in Andor, a rebel alliance pushes back against an emperor.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Government limits on corporate crypto holdings or unfavorable tax policy would threaten the business model.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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The rocket was filled with millions of pounds of propellant and set to launch when SpaceX, around 8:00 p.m. ET, opted to call off the day's launch and turn the operation into a launch rehearsal, considering the weather forecast would remain unfavorable throughout the launch window.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimated that in 2024, improper reimbursements exceeded $54 billion for Medicare (nearly 60% in traditional Medicare) and $31 billion for Medicaid.—
Ge Bai,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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Five of the contractors Florida has employed to build and operate Alligator Alcatraz — the controversial immigration detention site in the Everglades — have links to allegations of improper business practices and misuse of public funds, a Miami Herald review of legal records found.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Publicly thank those with the most contrary viewpoints to demonstrate the value that getting all the ideas on the table provides for arriving at the optimal solution.—
Maren Perry,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Team members need to experience having contrary opinions welcomed and explored rather than shut down.—
Maren Perry,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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