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
Onscreen, Firstman and Absolom’s relationship is awkward at first and then disarmingly endearing.
—
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
The first real-world tests exposed timing mismatches between the simulation and the actual motors, which caused awkward movement.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Great star power from inside the building and awkward moments that made for good laughs.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 15 May 2026
For the past year, the Smithsonian Institution has found itself in the awkward position of telling the nation’s story while being supported in part by a government that wants to narrow how that story is told.
—Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
The first real-world tests exposed timing mismatches between the simulation and the actual motors, which caused awkward movement.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
Great star power from inside the building and awkward moments that made for good laughs.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 15 May 2026
For the past year, the Smithsonian Institution has found itself in the awkward position of telling the nation’s story while being supported in part by a government that wants to narrow how that story is told.
—Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
Last year, as Zohran Mamdani gained steam in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, Jeffries found himself in an increasingly uncomfortable position.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
The uncomfortable truth is that in most organizations, nobody has a clear answer.—
Shiv Kaushik,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Although at least 20 players support some type of protest, the rollout of the boycott that never happened, came across a bit clumsy.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
For one, the Frenchie vision is just corny and clumsy, and so is the idea of Kimiko harnessing the power of love to defeat the bad guy without succumbing to vengeful rage.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
The mistake was embarrassing, but the use of the technology wasn’t.—
Max Raskin,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
-
The trial laid bare some of Silicon Valley's messy inner workings, with emails, diary entries and sometimes embarrassing text message exchanges shown as evidence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sixty-three percent of Glamour readers polled think lurking is annoying and also kind of creepy.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
18 May 2026
-
For instance, many partners have small gripes or annoyances with habits that are annoying at worst, but far from an outright red flag — like a partner that chews somewhat loudly, leaves cabinet doors open or hums constantly while working.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Despite being expensive and cumbersome, IMAX is Nolan's great ambition.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
-
Around James and Anthony Davis — who, fun fact, made just $27 million that season before agreeing to a historic and more cumbersome three-year extension — the Lakers had shooters who could defend, like Danny Green.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Medical staff who treated Paul say he was clearly intoxicated, slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
13 May 2026
-
In a half hour or so, the newborn gathers itself and stands unsteady on wobbly legs.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Two women form an uneasy alliance to stop the killer — but their own motives end up playing a role in what happens next.—
Diya Chacko,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The key with this inexperienced crew is patience.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
22 May 2026
-
When junior employees ask similar questions, it may be interpreted as being unprepared or inexperienced.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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