WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
wan•ton /ˈwɑntən/USA pronunciation
adj.
n. [countable]
wan•ton•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- not thinking of what is right or proper;
inhumane:wanton cruelty. - without motive;
unprovoked:a wanton attack. - sexually loose;
lascivious. - extravagant or excessive:wanton luxury.
n. [countable]
- a wanton person, esp. a lascivious woman.
wan•ton•ness, n. [uncountable]
wan•ton
(won′tn),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
v.i.
v.t.
wan′ton•ly, adv.
wan′ton•ness, n.
- done, shown, used, etc., maliciously or unjustifiably:a wanton attack; wanton cruelty.
- deliberate and without motive or provocation;
uncalled-for;
headstrong;
willful:Why jeopardize your career in such a wanton way? - without regard for what is right, just, humane, etc.;
careless;
reckless:a wanton attacker of religious convictions. - sexually lawless or unrestrained;
loose;
lascivious;
lewd:wanton behavior. - extravagantly or excessively luxurious, as a person, manner of living, or style.
- luxuriant, as vegetation.
- [Archaic.]
- sportive or frolicsome, as children or young animals.
- having free play:wanton breezes; a wanton brook.
n.
- a wanton or lascivious person, esp. a woman.
v.i.
- to behave in a wanton manner;
become wanton.
v.t.
- to squander, esp. in pleasure (often fol. by away):to wanton away one's inheritance.
- 1250–1300; Middle English wantowen literally, undisciplined, ill-reared, Old English wan- not + togen past participle of tēon to discipline, rear, cognate with German ziehen, Latin dūcere to lead; akin to tow1
wan′ton•ness, n.
- 1. malicious. 2. calculated. 3. heedless, inconsiderate. 4. licentious, dissolute, immoral, libidinous, concupiscent, lustful. 5. lavish. 10. waste.
- 3. careful, considerate. 4. 5. restrained.
'wantonly' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):