CLUNKY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

clunky

adjective

ˈkləŋ-kē

Definition of clunky

as in clumsy

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design even my five-year-old laptop seems clunky next to some of the really slim new models

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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 clunky There are clunky moments where characters speak in thesis statements, and the larger stakes can get lost amid the individual dynamics. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Waiting for a response For students now entering college, email may seem slow, clunky and old-fashioned, especially compared to texting, which allows for brevity and informality. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 Democrats' chaotic, clunky Wisconsin primary Wisconsin is rough political terrain. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Your local thrift will likely not take these clunky relics of the past. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky

Adjective

Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.

— Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
Sneak away into the beyond—maybe this was a clumsy translation.

— Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

As a result, New York got a great public space — and resuscitating the BQE became far more complicated and cumbersome.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026
Until recently, American orders were shipped from Portugal, adding delivery time, customs and duties, while making returns and exchanges more cumbersome.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

Having one starting pitcher repeat an unwieldy path from a season ago is one thing.

— Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
The shares are down more than 55% this year, and the global auto giant faces mounting pressure for radical action to counter Chinese competition, repair the damage from costly electric-vehicle missteps and prune an unwieldy stable of brands.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Browse Nearby Words

clunks

clunky

cluster

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“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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