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
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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
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Recent Examples of awkward
If someone feels rushed, awkward, distracted or overly analyzed, their answers often become guarded and surface-level.
—
King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Aidan Kaminer's ordeal For six hours on May 17, during a trip to Merlin's Cave in Columbia County, Kaminer, of Bushwick, was stuck in an awkward position.
—Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Just over two decades on from that awkward introduction, Liverpool are close to appointing another Spaniard as manager in Andoni Iraola.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Minnow seines, however, are somewhat awkward for one person to manage; a partner makes the process much easier.
—Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Aidan Kaminer's ordeal For six hours on May 17, during a trip to Merlin's Cave in Columbia County, Kaminer, of Bushwick, was stuck in an awkward position.
—Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Just over two decades on from that awkward introduction, Liverpool are close to appointing another Spaniard as manager in Andoni Iraola.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Minnow seines, however, are somewhat awkward for one person to manage; a partner makes the process much easier.
—Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
One 2012 poll found that 23% of White evangelical voters were uncomfortable with Romney’s religion.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
-
If the air conditioner is set too high, then the home may be just as uncomfortable as the air outdoors.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
This layout makes the monitor a natural fit for high-traffic environments like banking counters, medical reception desks, and service queues where traditional screen-sharing is often clumsy or compromises privacy.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 June 2026
-
The clumsy third inning from the defense didn’t help Tong, who threw 27 pitches in the frame.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Moderate Democrat Jasmeet Bains did not advance, in an embarrassing defeat for establishment Democrats amid an intraparty feud about the party's future.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
-
That should be embarrassing to every university president and conference commissioner in America.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the dead-on precision of Nilles’ attack was lost by out-of-sync video screens, an annoying glitch that needs attention given her monster performance.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
But still, today’s astro-weather pulls your attention toward friends, collaborators and future plans, and one annoying money issue (or self-worth issue) could completely throw off your mood.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
Frette linen bathrobes were soft, not overly cumbersome like most robes tend to be.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
The first image in the exhibition announced the playful tenor of the oversize works, which often verged on the ludic despite the lack of spontaneity owing to the cumbersome Land Camera.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Oil prices have been unsteady as hopes rise and fade that the United States and Iran can reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Fledglings can look unsteady or weak, but the parents are nearby for protection.—
Blythe Copeland,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Yet at the height of his triumph, Brooks was uneasy.—
Rob Wolfe,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
-
After feeling uneasy about being famous for comedy at first, Faris now sees it as a privilege.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the end, an inexperienced minor – who has no idea who hired them – pulls the trigger.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
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Niemeyer found that random killing also creates chaos by replacing older coyotes that have learned the dangers of depredating livestock with younger, inexperienced coyotes that do depredate.—
Ted Williams,
Denver Post,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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