stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd 

1

a

: pompous, lofty

a speech full of stilted language

b

: formal, stiff

a stilted letter of acknowledgement

2

: having the curve beginning at some distance above the impost

a stilted arch

stiltedly adverb

stiltedness noun

Synonyms of stilted

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• clumsy
• uneasy
• wooden
• embarrassed

Examples of stilted in a Sentence

the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests

a stilted letter of apology that was written and accepted with equal measures of insincerity

Recent Examples on the Web

Tensions between Rian and Patrick flare when Rian drunkenly mentions a brief fling with Shiv, though the film’s clunky edit, which gives little room for the performances to breathe and play out organically within their contexts, makes these frictions feel stilted and juvenile. —Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026

Inspired by Arcachon’s traditional stilted fishing huts, this signature suite has been styled by a succession of couture designers, starting with Maison Martin Margiela. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

After the singing the men lapsed into a stilted small talk again. —Literary Hub, 5 May 2026

Interviewing public figures can be a very stilted experience. —Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for stilted

• jilted
• quilted
• silted
• tilted
• wilted

Kids Definition

stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd 

: not easy and natural

stilted speech