- willfully and thoughtlessly; recklessly: We wantonly destroy the ecosystem that gives us life when we take out more than it can afford to give.
- without regard for what is right, just, or humane; maliciously and unjustifiably: Those who wantonly and cruelly beat, abuse, or ill-treat these animals will be punished.
- in a sensually loose or unrestrained way: A single day lived virtuously is worth more than a hundred years lived wantonly and without discipline.
- in an extravagant or excessively luxurious way: Nations cannot continue to spend wantonly, hoping for a bailout that may not come.
- in a prolific or uncontrolled way: A swarm of Asian carp are advancing up the Illinois River, breeding wantonly and gorging on plankton.
