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
David, meanwhile, often comes across to colleagues as awkward and robotic.
—
Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
After one too many lackluster dates or awkward interactions, you might be tempted to delete your dating profiles for good.
—Cassie Hurwitz, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
The meeting created an awkward dynamic for oil companies that belies Trump’s predictions of bountiful Venezuelan production under US control.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
Though Vinicius Jr is undoubtedly still a player capable of producing jaw-dropping moments of sheer quality, there’s no getting away from the fact that his fit in Alonso’s current system at Madrid is awkward.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
After one too many lackluster dates or awkward interactions, you might be tempted to delete your dating profiles for good.
—Cassie Hurwitz, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
The meeting created an awkward dynamic for oil companies that belies Trump’s predictions of bountiful Venezuelan production under US control.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 10 Jan. 2026
Though Vinicius Jr is undoubtedly still a player capable of producing jaw-dropping moments of sheer quality, there’s no getting away from the fact that his fit in Alonso’s current system at Madrid is awkward.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Rather than telegraphing trouble in paradise, the move could simply be a styling choice—or a response to high temperatures, which cause one’s hands to swell and can make wearing a ring uncomfortable.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But in that moment, my 40 years of skiing experience evaporated, and the bulletproof snow and thick crowds transformed me into an anxious and clumsy mess.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But the Wolverines were also 21-6 and coming off an embarrassing home loss to Illinois in the final regular-season game.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Alfonsi’s reporting did show up on Canada’s Global TV service, which had been given a feed of the program before the change was made, an embarrassing operational error by CBS News.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That one is a flimsy piano ballad where the duo’s approach to vocals—strangled, swirled and gasping—comes off more annoying than innovative, like a joke that isn’t funny anymore.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The weight of the tool allows for more control, allowing for the blade to safely and gently glide across your face to exfoliate and remove annoying peach fuzz.—
Taryn Brooke,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Others utilize passive mechanical structures that are often cumbersome and can’t shift shape in real time.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Bleach solutions also work but are more cumbersome and require a several-minute soak time.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The camera becomes unsteady and points toward the sky and then returns to the street view showing Good’s SUV careening away.—
Rebecca Santana,
Fortune,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The camera becomes unsteady and points toward the sky and then returns to the street view showing Good’s SUV careening away.—
REBECCA SANTANA,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Neighbors fear rising violence Residents said the shooting has left them uneasy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But by evening, an uneasy calm had settled across the city.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Ten of the top 15 quarterbacks in the portal have already committed, and after that top tier, many of the remaining quarterbacks available are either young, inexperienced passers from Power 4 programs or starters from Group of 5 or FCS schools.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
According to the University of Massachusetts Global, teacher turnover results in a large number of inexperienced teachers being placed in classrooms, meaning more money is put toward recruiting, hiring and training.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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