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

Unlike the stilted formality that can plague luxury properties, encounters feel genuine. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

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

Thomas treats the children as a topiary artist treats foliage, bending their wild spirits into stilted shapes. —Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026

Don’t Worry Darling, by contrast, felt too stilted and controlled, too programmed and predictable, almost as if the director felt obligated to rein in her stylistic impulses against a supposedly more complicated story. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 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