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Definition of wayward

wayward

/ˈweɪwərd/
way · ward
Adverb:waywardly
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wayward Lexical Profile

wayward Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Difficult to control or predict because of willful, perverse, or capricious behavior; stubbornly turning away from what is expected or proper.

Example

"The counselor worked patiently with the wayward teenager to help him return to school."

2

Moving or straying in an irregular, unpredictable, or unintended direction.

Example

"She tucked a wayward lock of hair behind her ear before stepping onto the stage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for wayward

• Nearby Words

waypoint
wayside
waystation
wayward
waywardly
waywardness
wazoo

Word Origin & Etymology

Middle English 'weiward', an aphetic shortening of 'aweiward' (turned away), formed from 'away' and the directional suffix '-ward', later influenced by association with the noun 'way'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wayward. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wayward
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