1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control tried to reason with the untoward child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 None of these inspections turned up anything untoward. —
Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 Nor is there anything untoward and deceptive about it. —Adam Gelb, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Nearly two years after Denny Crum's death and an untoward incident that left his gravesite monument at the bottom of the Red Sea, the legendary University of Louisville men's basketball coach's final resting place is nearing completion. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Oh, and there's a human operator on board in the front passenger seat, instructed to remain silent through the trip and be prepared to hit a kill switch in case of any untoward incidents in traffic. —New Atlas, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for untoward
Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 Nor is there anything untoward and deceptive about it. —Adam Gelb, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Nearly two years after Denny Crum's death and an untoward incident that left his gravesite monument at the bottom of the Red Sea, the legendary University of Louisville men's basketball coach's final resting place is nearing completion. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Oh, and there's a human operator on board in the front passenger seat, instructed to remain silent through the trip and be prepared to hit a kill switch in case of any untoward incidents in traffic. —New Atlas, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
Adjective
-
The temperamental Moon activates your 3rd House of Communication, forming a supportive trine to rebellious Uranus in your 7th House of Companions.— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
-
The series picks up 15 years after the finale of The Handmaid's Tale, and follows Agnes and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a rebellious newcomer.— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran is an uncontrollable, radical country that spreads terror and mayhem throughout the Middle East and has continually threatened America.— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
-
The episode culminates with Vanessa dying in her hospital bed, sending Wilson into a fit of uncontrollable rage that ends with him strangling a man to death.— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection, and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners.— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
-
Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In a stunning turn of events, news broke that Moore had allegedly been carrying on an inappropriate relationship with an athletic department employee.— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
-
The news comes as several members of Congress have faced ethics investigations, including inappropriate relationships with staff members, that have led to three resignations.— Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In December 2024, a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham swept through the country with stunning speed, toppling the Assad regime that had ruled Syria since 1970.— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
-
In a message Monday on X, Sánchez said that so far there were no signs indicating that the plane was attacked by rebel groups that operate near Puerto Leguizamo.— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Among Jewish Democrats, opinion skews against AIPAC, with 37% having an unfavorable opinion and 29% favorable.— Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the unfavorable wind, the mark was more than 14 feet farther than the gold medal-winning throw at the Olympic Games two weeks later.— Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Some will argue that directing government dollars toward private news organizations amounts to an improper subsidy of private business.— Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026
-
His attorney has argued there is no legal basis for charges and accused prosecutors of using improper tactics.— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But there’s no shortage of people that take a contrary view.— Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
-
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your nonfiction development pipeline grow?— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
