1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
preteens feeling awkward at their first formal dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
her awkward handling of the seating arrangements at the wedding reception resulted in many hurt feelings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the awkward situation of having to listen as your host and hostess quarrel loudly in the next room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in annoying
causing difficulty, discomfort, or annoyance
our surprise guests came at a very awkward time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in cumbersome
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
that manual can opener is awkward to hold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in unsteady
having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner
an awkward person who is always tripping over herself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in unhandy
lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands
an awkward catch of a fly ball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of awkward
Howie Mandel apologized to Kelly Ripa after an awkward moment during his ‘Live With Kelly and Mark’ appearance on Monday.
—
Sarah Sotoodeh , Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
While awkward, this is important.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
Gangly and awkward, Bohm was not drafted out of high school or offered a scholarship by Nebraska, his school of choice.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
But there were some awkward moments too.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Sarah Sotoodeh , Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026
While awkward, this is important.
—Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
Gangly and awkward, Bohm was not drafted out of high school or offered a scholarship by Nebraska, his school of choice.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
But there were some awkward moments too.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
Pride should come from your willingness to improve, not from resisting uncomfortable truths.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Dry air can be harmful and uncomfortable, but the LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier can address that in any room of your home.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But it’s played sincerely, so the visual contrast just makes the connection feel clumsy, if not outright absurd.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
-
McGee meets one of a clumsy TURF intern Pete, who is revealed to be Olivia's 18-year-old son, Matteo (Patrick Keleher) under interrogation.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The clash over how many candidates to include underscored the dilemma facing Democrats, who are anxious to avoid a potentially embarrassing outcome in a state that hasn't voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988.—
Joseph Ax,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In another, a self-critical impulse takes hold, and what seemed good at first is suddenly embarrassing.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Each individual increase feels tolerable – annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The consequences of all this information range from mildly annoying to very serious.—
Larry Magid,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But Thune has been slow to embrace the process, in part because it is viewed as so cumbersome.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Certain menu items, though, feel like fan favorites made to wear cumbersome disguises, while entrees outside of the burger don’t always feel as essential as the smaller plates.—
Cesar Hernandez,
San Francisco Chronicle,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As professionals try to navigate the unsteady road, the know-how and expertise of film commissions will become even more valuable.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The archive of material Habak shot over years offers an intimate and visceral experience of life on the ground – the unsteady ground shaken by constant aerial assaults.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That neighbor also raised concerns about security, saying fewer on-site resources and changes in how calls are handled have left some people feeling uneasy.—
Daniel Wilkerson,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
As the war in Iran stretches into a fifth week, investors who had been hopeful for a quick resolution are growing increasingly uneasy about the real-world fallout from the conflict.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Mullin will also face congressional Democrats’ wrath as lawmakers on Capitol Hill have already begun to investigate DHS for the massive contracts to individuals and companies that were inexperienced, had connections to Noem’s staff, or contained other irregularities.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Schaeffer won over most of the Rockies players quickly, but, fielding a young, inexperienced team, Colorado limped toward the finish line, going 4-21 in September.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
