WAYWARD Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'wayward' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wayward are balky , contrary , perverse , and restive . While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior. // a school for wayward youths

Q: When can 'balky' be used instead of 'wayward'?

The synonyms balky and wayward are sometimes interchangeable, but balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action. // a balky witness

Q: When would 'contrary' be a good substitute for 'wayward'?

The meanings of contrary and wayward largely overlap; however, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice. // a contrary child

Q: When might 'perverse' be a better fit than 'wayward'?

While the synonyms perverse and wayward are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal. // a perverse , intractable critic

Q: In what contexts can 'restive' take the place of 'wayward'?

The words restive and wayward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders. // tired soldiers growing restive

wayward

adjective

ˈwā-wərd

Definition of wayward next

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control had always been the most wayward of their three children

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stubborn

given to resisting control or discipline by others an institution to which wayward teens were often sent

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective wayward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of wayward are balky, contrary, perverse, and restive. While all these words mean "inclined to resist authority or control," wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior.

a school for wayward youths

When can balky be used instead of wayward?

The synonyms balky and wayward are sometimes interchangeable, but balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action.

a balky witness

When would contrary be a good substitute for wayward?

The meanings of contrary and wayward largely overlap; however, contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice.

a contrary child

When might perverse be a better fit than wayward?

While the synonyms perverse and wayward are close in meaning, perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.

a perverse, intractable critic

In what contexts can restive take the place of wayward?

The words restive and wayward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders.

tired soldiers growing restive

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wayward To counteract Bubble Butt's wayward flotation, the Florida facility's staff affixed 2 1/2 pounds of lead to his shell (a negligible addition for a reptile weighing more than 100 pounds). —

Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024 Starliner seen docked at the International Space Station The wayward tale of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and its return to Earth without its astronaut crew has been well reported since its launch in June. —

Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024 But this wagtail was wayward, likely ending up Wisconsin after being blown off course in a storm or getting confused when migrating from Siberia. —

Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 Teams can automate workflows, adjust processes in real time and achieve greater efficiency without the threat of more sprawl or wayward applications that present security vulnerabilities. —

Ed Jennings, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wayward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wayward

Adjective

With a rebellious edge, the cocktail is yet another offering in the non-to-low alcohol space from an established brand that is changing how consumers look at a rapidly expanding space.

— Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, adds a sense of responsibility while rebellious Uranus, the planet of innovation and change, inspires this Air sign to think outside the box and embrace individual freedom.

— Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025