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
In the entertainment world, even mere accusations of untoward actions have caused the removal of K-pop idols from their groups, their existence never to be acknowledged again.
—
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
And the ratios in the new box have the right numbers—no untoward gaps to reduce your forward momentum.
—Patrick Bedard, Car and Driver, 26 Jan. 2023
Emmy Rose took a moment to think about how many of her grandmother’s songs accuse her husband, Doolittle, of untoward behavior with other women.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for untoward
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
And the ratios in the new box have the right numbers—no untoward gaps to reduce your forward momentum.
—Patrick Bedard, Car and Driver, 26 Jan. 2023
Emmy Rose took a moment to think about how many of her grandmother’s songs accuse her husband, Doolittle, of untoward behavior with other women.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for untoward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for untoward
Adjective
-
Still, Adams failed to outright ask the most important questions: Were Canadians ever willing to join the rebellious Thirteen Colonies?—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 May 2025
-
Libra: Marge Simpson from The Simpsons Only a Libra mother could calmly and miraculously put up with the shenanigans that her three rebellious children cause.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
Research shows that people under stress are more likely to give up, but only when the situation feels uncontrollable.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Entire neighborhoods are retrofitted with clear glass domes that activate during extreme rainstorms and uncontrollable wildfires.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
-
Health care providers and consumers who experience adverse reactions are encouraged to report them through the FDA's MedWatch program.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Originally a producer on the project, he was fired for cause after at least one incident of inappropriate behavior on Runner that included bullying and yelling at crew.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
Screenshot inappropriate gun marketing content and circulate it.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
President Trump met with former rebel leader turned new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2025
-
Incidents of violence by rebel groups fell from 1,936 in 2010 to 374 in 2024, according to data from the home ministry.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
The development previously received an unfavorable opinion from the Gary Rezoning department and plan commission.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
-
Deaton said the poll also found that 60% of those surveyed had an unfavorable opinion of Trump.—
Chris Van Buskirk,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
Trump, who has painted past legal cases against him as an improper political use of law enforcement, has in a number of instances called for probes of his foes.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
The report alleges a range of major violations plaguing St. Hope Public Schools — including conflicts of interests among its top officers, improper use of public funding, deficient accounting processes and the employment of a largely unqualified teaching staff.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
This is a contrary indicator as these levels are often seen at important market bottoms.—
Tom Aspray,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
Although the concession was made in pending litigation and not through other IRS guidance, employers should be prepared to raise the issue and cite the government’s motion, especially if the IRS takes a contrary position in denying an ERC claim under the partial suspension test.—
Matthew Roberts,
Forbes,
12 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share