1
as in rebellious
given to resisting authority or another's control
tried to reason with the untoward child
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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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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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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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Example Sentences
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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.
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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
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Aquarius: Justin Suarez Socially conscious and true fashionista, Justin’s creativity and free spirit very much align with Aquarius’ rebellious nature and sparkling individuality.—
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It’s been 150 years since the Impressionists shocked Paris with their rebellious Société Anonyme show.—
Adjective
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By systematically reviewing and understanding the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable factors, informed decisions that align with financial goals can be made, setting the stage for the future.—
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Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.—
Adjective
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So far, Lilly said the adverse effects of its new pill are consistent with GLP-1s, a class of medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.—
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In the study, the researchers measured patients’ impulse control behavior disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness, blood pressure changes and weight changes, and found that the adverse effects linked to tavapadon were no different from those who received a placebo.—
Adjective
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Mickey Rourke was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother UK house after further usage of inappropriate language.—
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Lewin has insisted there was nothing inappropriate about this visit.—
Adjective
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Lamar Johnson’s Henry Burrell was a collaborator on the run from a rebel group different from The Fireflies in Kansas City, where the QZ and all FEDRA presence had been dissolved.—
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In the wake of the earthquake, the shadow government in exile, known as the National Unity Government, and an alliance of three rebel groups announced cease-fires.—
Adjective
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Trump has derided the outlets as being unfavorable to him and a drain on taxpayer money.—
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According to a Quinnipiac poll released in mid-March, only 7 percent of American voters have a favorable opinion of Putin, while 81 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him.—
Adjective
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Instances of fraud and other types of improper payments at SSA—particularly in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance program—are modest compared with other federal agencies, per a Government Accountability Office report.—
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The Pakistani-Indian restaurant was issued a yellow placard for storing spoiled food and keeping food in improper containers.—
Adjective
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Meanwhile, some students just aren’t accustomed to contrary or controversial ideas and believe that even hearing them is harmful.—
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But Zelinka Parsons also sees a contrary problem for some people, especially those entering retirement with large nest eggs.—
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untoward. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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