untoward

adjective

ˌən-ˈtō-ərd How to pronounce untoward (audio)
Definition of untowardnext
1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control tried to reason with the untoward child

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uncontrollable
given to resisting control or discipline by others a program for untoward teenagers that is designed to give them the kind of discipline that their parents were unable or unwilling to administer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests achieved great success as an artist despite growing up in a very untoward milieu

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation unfortunately, one of the symptoms of dementia can be a tendency to make untoward and often shocking remarks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of untoward Varsha’s eyes are blazing, not with frustration or peevishness, which would not have been untoward in a child of her age, but with an anger that seems almost adult in its intensity. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026 Thankfully, there’s nothing so untoward about the allegations facing the Clippers now. — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026 Despite denying anything untoward, Russini tendered her resignation within days, as a company investigation got underway. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
  1. rebellious
  2. uncontrollable
  3. adverse
  4. inappropriate
  5. rebel
  6. stubborn
  7. unfavorable
  8. improper
Adjective
  • For seven seasons, a hodgepodge crew mixing Starfleet and the rebellious Maquis put aside their differences after they got zapped 70,000 lightyears away from Earth, deep into the uncharted Delta Quadrant.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
  • This could bring about sudden ideas, or trigger rebellious impulses and creative imagination.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Definition of rebellious
Adjective
  • The jealousy that emanates from every pore of this guy is uncontrollable.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026
  • An uncontrollable laugh when tickled is vastly different from a polite laugh in a meeting, an infectious laugh during a movie, or a nervous little giggle after making a mistake.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 June 2026
Definition of uncontrollable
Adjective
  • These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Live streams and other unfiltered media can expose kids to risky or inappropriate content, so adult guidance is key.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 28 June 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • In early 2025, fighting broke out between Congolese authorities and groups led by the rebel paramilitary group M23.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • In the middle of the developments are are lawyer Wayne Hsiung and rebel Rose Patterson, who through the process of filming, fell in love, got married and adopted James, a dog rescued from the facility in March.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Definition of rebel
Adjective
  • Colombia earned its passage into the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over stubborn Ghana.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Pickle Robot’s Physical AI unloaders tackle the dock door bottleneck, which is a stubborn pain point in inbound logistics, while AmbiStack handles the structured, high-volume stacking that feeds downstream operations.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • That same study found 39% held an unfavorable view of socialism, versus 47% with an unfavorable view of capitalism.
    — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • If the value of the stock declines, additional collateral may be required or positions may need to be liquidated under unfavorable conditions.
    — Joshua Harmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • While the expiration of the enhanced ACA subsidies at the end of 2025 made insurance more expensive for millions of consumers, the HHS assistant secretary for planning and evaluation report cited efforts to crack down on improper signups.
    — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The agency is also asking visitors to the World Cup game or Fan Fest to report any unsafe or improper drone use to the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of improper

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untouched
untoward
untowardness
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Cite this Entry

“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of untoward for Spanish Speakers

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