ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance
a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
This uncomfortable truth sharpened recently when a friend shared her pet peeve about cell phones on the table when dining out with companions.
—
Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Brain Wave Changes Girdles, corsets, and other tight shapewear worn around the abdomen can be uncomfortable and affect the body in various ways, one of which is by altering brain waves.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
The first few days of the silent meditation retreat were incredibly uncomfortable.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
This means learning to appreciate the uncomfortable truths warriors tell us.
—Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Brain Wave Changes Girdles, corsets, and other tight shapewear worn around the abdomen can be uncomfortable and affect the body in various ways, one of which is by altering brain waves.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025
The first few days of the silent meditation retreat were incredibly uncomfortable.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
This means learning to appreciate the uncomfortable truths warriors tell us.
—Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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Never use bleach to clean the toilet tank as this harsh chemical can damage the tank's interior and lead to faster corrosion.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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Except, much like the prison scenes, Kiss of the Spider Woman‘s reality ends up being much harsher than the fantasy.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Both teams boast impressive defenses, but the Bills are coming off an embarrassing loss to a divisional rival last week that shattered hopes of an undefeated season.—
Gabe Smallson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Just writing that is embarrassing.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This uneasy detente between Matty and Olympia drives much of the rest of this episode’s plot.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
13 Oct. 2025
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Wichita police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman reportedly taken by force early Sunday morning — an incident that has left neighbors uneasy.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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My theory was that the reserves have more history playing together, with the starters, working in Ingram and without Jakob Poeltl because of a sore back and illness, are still figuring it out.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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My foot started to really hurt after that, and my leg was a little bit sore.—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Pickens caught a pass around the 26-yard line and blazed past cornerback Mike Jackson on an awkward angle for the score.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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Teammate Ji’Ayir Brown rolled up on the back of Warner’s ankle while trying to make a tackle on Rachaad White, and Warner’s ankle bent at an awkward angle.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Arturs Silovs looked a bit clumsy in the first period and his rebound control was less than stellar.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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Actually, Alma does suffer from ulcers, which cause her extraordinary stomach pain and vomiting at inconvenient moments, and cause viewers to wonder not if but when such clumsy symbolic traits will be trotted out in the future.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Past disasters have left a painful mark for many, but they’re connected by strong community ties and have come together at vigils to honor and pray for the victims.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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But the film is most moving in its quieter moments, when the longest and most painful goodbye mellows into something like acceptance, tinged with gratitude for the moments that remain to be lived.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Playing a French player at Roland Garros is usually one of the more unpleasant tasks in tennis, given how rowdy the crowd can get when rooting for one of their own on Court Philippe-Chatrier.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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But for all of those unpleasant aspects, the series’ ultimate concentration is on the Marines as a worthy organization devoted to helping mostly young men learn discipline, honor and the proper mechanics for a pull-up.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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