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wayward Synonyms

Another word for wayward

Choosing another word for wayward depends on context, so the 16 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
willful
headstrong
Strong
rebellious
unruly
errant
refractory
recalcitrant
perverse
ungovernable
contrary

• adjective (Context 2)

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

Usage Example

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

Strongest
erratic
Strong
stray
wandering
unpredictable
capricious
fickle

Opposites of wayward

The opposite of wayward shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

obedient
compliant
well-behaved
steady
docile
tractable
predictable
regular
See all opposites of wayward

• Nearby Words

waypoint
wayside
waystation
wayward
waywardly
waywardness
wazoo

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Wayward. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/wayward
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