perverse

Acting or happening in an unexpected, opposite, or annoying way.

• The rule had a perverse effect.
• By some perverse logic, failure earned him a promotion.
• Her perverse sense of humour often puzzled her friends.

Similar words: contrary, wayward

Common phrases: perverse effect, perverse logic, perverse result

Deliberately refusing to act reasonably or do what others think is right.

• It was perverse to refuse their help.
• His perverse insistence on doing everything alone caused delays.
• She made a perverse decision despite everyone’s advice.

Similar words: obstinate, stubborn, unreasonable

Opposites: reasonable

Common phrases: perverse refusal, perverse decision, perverse insistence

Morally wrong, cruel, or harmful.

• He took perverse pleasure in their suffering.
• The story exposes the ruler’s perverse desires.
• She condemned his cruel and perverse conduct.

Similar words: wicked, evil, depraved

Opposites: virtuous

Common phrases: perverse desires, perverse pleasure, perverse conduct

Turned away from an original position or direction.

• The branch grew in a perverse direction.
• The stream followed a perverse course away from its old channel.
• The drawing showed the limb in a perverse position.

Similar words: diverted, turned aside

Common phrases: perverse direction, perverse course