wayward
Americanadjective
-
turned or turning away from what is right or proper; willful; disobedient.
a wayward son; wayward behavior.
- Synonyms:
- intractable, refractory, unruly, obstinate, stubborn, headstrong, contrary
-
swayed or prompted by caprice; capricious.
a wayward impulse; to be wayward in one's affections.
-
turning or changing irregularly; irregular.
a wayward breeze.
- Synonyms:
- changeable, inconstant, unsteady
adjective
-
wanting to have one's own way regardless of the wishes or good of others
-
capricious, erratic, or unpredictable
Synonym Usage
See willful.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of wayward
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; aphetic variant of awayward. See away, -ward
Explanation
Someone wayward is a little stubborn and independent — they're determined to find their own way and are not easily controlled. Being wayward can mean a few things, but they all have something to do with doing your own thing — often, going against what others want you to do. A rebellious student is wayward. A son who ignores his parent's advice is wayward. A politician who goes against everyone else in his political party is wayward. Wayward folks like to go their own way — and they often take the unexpected path.
Vocabulary lists containing wayward
Romeo and Juliet
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Spinnin' Around
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The One and Only Ivan
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After World War II the Beats were reinventing bohemia, giving the old wayward ways a hyperbolic intensity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026
On the first morning at Headingley, Root yanked a wayward Jofra Archer from the attack after only two overs.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
From a young age, William was depicted as the charming, steady heir to the throne, with Harry the wayward but loveably roguish sibling.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
Pete and Viv chastise Corey about his wayward ways—for example, his failure to show up at their mother’s funeral.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Yet, some curious, wayward motive urges him to supply the answer, for there is the feeling that his dignity as a living being is challenged by something within him that is not understood.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
