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

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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 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 Nothing heavy, nothing untoward. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026 Thankfully, there’s nothing so untoward about the allegations facing the Clippers now. — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untoward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward

Adjective

While many may remember Cooter as a gregarious good ‘ol boy, the character had a wild, rebellious side in the first season of the show.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026
In a somewhat rebellious moment, Meghan attended her first Trooping the Colour ceremony wearing an off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebellious

Adjective

Security experts, however, say these events are likely to continue happening given the fundamentally uncontrollable nature of advanced AI systems.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
As surveillance and interrogation deepen, the line between loyalty and obsession blurs, leading both men into a dangerous and uncontrollable connection.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncontrollable

Adjective

Pat is a little bit like an inappropriate uncle at a family gathering in the 1970s.

— Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Montana did not directly answer questions about the decision to choose BCBS over Allegiance and whether there was inappropriate contact among state officials.

— Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of inappropriate

Adjective

Yesterday’s punk, grunge, and rebel-outsider upstarts have an uncanny way of evolving into today’s elder statesmen of respectable infamy.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
The rebel group has also intensified its attacks on troops and oil facilities in neighboring Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebel

Adjective

The versatile 5-in-1 scissors tackle everything from opening stubborn packaging to cutting herbs and cracking nuts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Supporters say soaring demand for electricity for AI data centers and EVs is colliding with California’s push for 100% clean power, leaving a stubborn gap in round-the-clock, low-carbon supply that should be met by nuclear.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

As the system moves closer to the Lesser Antilles, upper-level winds are likely to be unfavorable for additional development, according to the center's latest update.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
During two meetings in June, Alston was evaluated and received unfavorable feedback, the meeting minutes state.

— Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

His brother, Eugene, who also reported the phone call as being improper, was elected to Congress in 2024 from Virginia.

— Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Yet Jeanie’s attorney, Adam Streisand of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton Law, argued in the letter sent to her siblings’ attorneys that two previous legal rulings render that strategy improper.

— Sam Amick, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Browse Nearby Words

untouched

untoward

untowardness

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“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of untoward

adjective

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