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stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
Synonyms of stiltednext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet Seehorn and Wydra’s interactions are more stilted than charged. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025 The wording feels too formal, too stilted, too reminiscent of a business introduction. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025 Drafting in English and translating often produces stilted, unnatural messages. Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 But after the pyrotechnics between Julia and Adriana, all of these conversations seem strange and stilted. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stilted

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stilted was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stilted. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

stilted

adjective
stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
: not easy and natural
stilted speech

More from Merriam-Webster on stilted

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