as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
a long-handled wrench that is too cumbersome for tight spots, such as under the sink
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 cumbersome
And though there are no tariffs imposed on British goods entering the EU, there is a raft of non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs paperwork, border certifications, and visa restrictions.
—
ABC News,
21 June 2026
With a Brush Head Heavy electric vacuums can be extremely cumbersome to use on furniture, and their handy attachments often don’t cover enough fabric at a time.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
When one party controls virtually every lever of power, the incentive to reform a cumbersome system diminishes.
—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
The legislation amended a cumbersome, multi-step process for over-the-counter drugs in an effort to create a more efficient system.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
ABC News,
21 June 2026
With a Brush Head Heavy electric vacuums can be extremely cumbersome to use on furniture, and their handy attachments often don’t cover enough fabric at a time.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
When one party controls virtually every lever of power, the incentive to reform a cumbersome system diminishes.
—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
The legislation amended a cumbersome, multi-step process for over-the-counter drugs in an effort to create a more efficient system.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumbersome
Adjective
-
Such a feature would neatly get around the need for clumsy remote control sessions to interact with AI agents running on a distant Mac.
-
The head coach was clumsy in his response, saying — in effect — that the player is better suited to being an impact substitute and taking advantage of tiring opposition defenders.
Adjective
-
Human bodies were like animals’ The few medical instruments of the revolutionary era were heavy in the hand, awkward in use and imprecise to maneuver.
-
In its place are itty-bitty bands that still keep your flats or heels in place, just with less of a chance of awkward tan lines.
Adjective
-
Each practice requires different tools and skill sets, leading to an overall complexity that is very unwieldy to control.
-
So imagine my delight at finding a way to ease these challenges while also improving my notoriously bad posture — something that didn’t involve complicated tech (like wires and sensors) or unwieldy physical objects.
Adjective
-
Those clunky portable units do ease discomfort, at least; another widely available air-conditioning option, known as a split unit, is typically more efficient, but also more expensive and harder to install.
-
This solution is a clunky eyesore; resembling a cushion, gym mat and tarp meshed into one.
Cite this Entry
“Cumbersome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumbersome. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
