wayward
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for wayward, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Stubbornly doing things one's own way, ignoring rules or expectations.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use wayward
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wayward child
wayward son
wayward path
Etymology
A shortening of "away" plus "-ward," originally meaning turned away from expected behaviour.
Full origin of wayward →Frequently asked questions
What does “wayward” mean?
The word “wayward” means stubbornly doing things one's own way, ignoring rules or expectations. In plain terms, describes someone (or something, like a wayward shot) that goes off in its own unpredictable, disobedient direction.
How do you pronounce “wayward”?
“Wayward” is pronounced WAY-wuhd (/ˈweɪwə(ɹ)d/ in IPA).
How do you use “wayward” in a sentence?
Here is “wayward” used in a sentence: “The wayward teenager kept skipping school despite every warning.”
What is another word for “wayward”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wayward” include vagabond and vagrant.
What part of speech is “wayward”?
“Wayward” is an adjective.
