wanton

American  

[won-tn] / ˈwɒn tn /

adjective

1. done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiably.

   a wanton attack; wanton cruelty.

   Synonyms:

   malicious

2. deliberate and without motive or provocation; uncalled-for; headstrong; willful.

   Why jeopardize your career in such a wanton way?

   Synonyms:

   calculated

3. without regard for what is right, just, humane, etc.; careless; reckless.

   a wanton attacker of religious convictions.

   Synonyms:

   inconsiderate, heedless

   Antonyms:

   considerate, careful

4. sexually lawless or unrestrained; loose; lascivious; lewd.

   wanton behavior.

   Synonyms:

   lustful, concupiscent, libidinous, immoral, dissolute, licentious

   Antonyms:

   restrained

5. extravagantly or excessively luxurious, as a person, manner of living, or style.

   Synonyms:

   lavish

   Antonyms:

   restrained

6. luxuriant, as vegetation.

7. Archaic.

   1. sportive or frolicsome, as children or young animals.

   2. having free play.

      wanton breezes; a wanton brook.

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noun

1. a wanton or lascivious person, especially a woman.

verb (used without object)

1. to behave in a wanton manner; become wanton.

verb (used with object)

1. to squander, especially in pleasure (often followed byaway ).

   to wanton away one's inheritance.

   Synonyms:

   waste

wanton British  

/ ˈwɒntən /

adjective

1. dissolute, licentious, or immoral

2. without motive, provocation, or justification

   wanton destruction

3. maliciously and unnecessarily cruel or destructive

4. unrestrained

   wanton spending

5. archaic playful or capricious

6. archaic (of vegetation, etc) luxuriant or superabundant

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noun

1. a licentious person, esp a woman

2. a playful or capricious person

verb

1. (intr) to behave in a wanton manner

2. (tr) to squander or waste

Other Word Forms

• unwanton adjective
• wantonly adverb
• wantonness noun

Etymology

Origin of wanton

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English wantowen, literally, “undisciplined, ill-reared,” Old English wan- “not” + togen, past participle of tēon “to discipline, rear,” cognate with German ziehen, Latin dūcere “to lead”; akin to tow ¹

Example Sentences

"Such wanton destruction of the German cultural scene, such self-inflicted insularity, must not be allowed to happen," it said.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

But it’s mostly a smart exploration of these two types: the wanton destroyer who relishes chaos and the wise, patient healer looking to preserve and protect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Yet, Kay sees something of herself in this twentysomething table tennis prodigy: wanton ambition and the thrill of the chase.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Ecocide is defined by experts as a "wanton" act of destruction, carried out with "reckless disregard for damage which would be clearly excessive in relation to the social and economic benefits anticipated."

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024

But I was surprised at the wanton display of grief which spewed forth once his death became official.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• arbitrary
• gratuitous
• needless
• senseless
• unjust
• unjustifiable
• unjustified
• unprovoked
• vicious
• willful