UNTOWARD Synonyms: 345 Similar and Opposite Words

untoward

adjective

ˌən-ˈtō-ərd

Definition of untoward

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control tried to reason with the untoward child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adverse

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This time, however, Charlotte promptly scolded him for his untoward behavior. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 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 Maradona reacted as if nothing untoward had happened, running across to celebrate in front of his father in the stand. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 June 2026 All sorts of untoward usage can be envisioned. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for untoward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward

Adjective

Converse and Vaquera are coming together again with a rebellious spirit.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
In the episode on the 1993 timeline, the team intervenes when a general’s rebellious teen son is targeted by a dangerous former gang member.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

The Persian Gulf state has declared force majeure — citing unexpected, uncontrollable events preventing contracts from being honored — every month since the March attack.

— Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
About 20% of those in the study reported fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and uncontrollable itching.

— Alice Park, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Parental Controls for Shared Devices Parents can restrict access to adult and inappropriate content, which helps when kids use the same phones, tablets, or laptops.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Val Chmerkovskiy has been suspended from Dancing with the Stars for one week after making an inappropriate comment toward one of the judges last week.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Since early 2025, the March 23 Movement, a rebel group, has seized control of large parts of the park, fueling poaching, deforestation and trafficking.

— Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Capturing towns and roads would hamper Tigrayan fighters without necessarily securing the vast rural areas where the rebel forces regrouped during the previous war, Taylor said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

The first of the 12 steps is admitting that your relationship with your vice has become unmanageable.

— Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
If your debt is unmanageable, check with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling to see if a debt management plan might help.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmanageable

Adjective

The most egregious perpetrators of fraud in the industry were corrupt doctors who were paid by patients to send insurance companies medical examination reports that omitted unfavorable findings.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Democratic socialism is underwater by 22 points, 37% of Americans are favorable and 59% are unfavorable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

Additionally, improper application of diagnostic criteria, and that fact that MS symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
He’s also accused of having improper or unclear license plates, no proof of registration and insurance, and no proof of a driver’s license.

— Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of improper

Browse Nearby Words

untouched

untoward

untowardness

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of untoward

adjective

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