Wayward
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈweɪwə(ɹ)d/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Wayward is an adjective meaning Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
Meaning
Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
More Meanings
- Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.
- (sports) Not on target.
- (dated) Someone, especially a young woman or girl, who is wayward.
Example Sentences
the wild, half-starved youth whom we style incorrigibles, delinquents, and waywards
Fancies are like shadows . . . you can’t cage them, they’re such wayward, dancing things.
The girls classed as first offenders and waywards gave a higher intelligence quotient than the others.
Disobedience and waywardism laws were pioneered on young women, and could be arrested as a disobedient or wayward at the age of 20.
Word Forms
- waywards
Synonyms for wayward
Depending on context, synonyms include vagabond, vagrant, adamant, ardent, grim, bloody-minded.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include contrary, obstinate, perverse, erratic, capricious, stubborn.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.