wayward

adjective

way·​ward ˈwā-wərd How to pronounce wayward (audio)
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
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
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.
No attorneys could cite an instance when a wayward wastewater operator ever faced the prospect of incarceration. Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 In the same vein, wayward vines are nipped, and emerging roots thrust deep into the ground, in hopes of harnessing every last nutrient for the potential champion. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2024 As divination witch Lilia (Patti LuPone) does one final tarot reading to complete her quest, the clairvoyant sees the true identity of their wayward traveling companion. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Set in 1929 and based upon the novel of the same name by Dennis Wheatley, The Devil Rides Out stars Christopher Lee as Nicholas, a sophisticate investigating the whereabouts of his wayward charge Simon (Patrick Mower). Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wayward 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wayward was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near wayward

Cite this Entry

“Wayward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wayward. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wayward

adjective
way·​ward ˈwā-wərd How to pronounce wayward (audio)
1
: tending to do as one pleases : disobedient
wayward children
2
: not following a rule or regular course of action
waywardly adverb
waywardness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wayward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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