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
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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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5
as in cumbersome
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
that manual can opener is awkward to hold
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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
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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
As much as Doppelgänger is a testament to slowing down and letting good things take time, there’s a stark humanity in its awkward in-between stages.
—
Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Again, a silence fell between them, neither awkward nor aloof.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Is there an awkward, empty corner in your bedroom that continues to bother you?
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
Guests have blabbed that things were definitely awkward during one of the newlyweds’ first dances to an undisclosed song by the celebrity performer, Marc Anthony.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
Again, a silence fell between them, neither awkward nor aloof.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Is there an awkward, empty corner in your bedroom that continues to bother you?
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026
Guests have blabbed that things were definitely awkward during one of the newlyweds’ first dances to an undisclosed song by the celebrity performer, Marc Anthony.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
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When they’re installed without fixing underlying issues, homeowners can end up disappointed, uncomfortable or paying more than expected.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Lenses can crack, and frames can crack or warp in a way that makes wearing them difficult or uncomfortable.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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The clumsy, confusing rollout of the fees certainly didn’t help — as many residents who were promised a locals discount couldn’t figure out how to tap that benefit.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Wilks was finally fired following an embarrassing Week 15 loss to the Jaguars.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This means finally ridding yourself of the embarrassing high school or college address you are still stuck with decades later.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Garlic supplements and dietary garlic can have health benefits, and a few annoying side effects, like bad breath and stomach upset.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Patriots’ fans view Sunday as an annoying calisthenic, if not a joke.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These substances can help supply a lunar base, but using the dust can also be cumbersome and potentially dangerous.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
27 Jan. 2026
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Others said the new regulations could create longer lines and a more cumbersome retail experience, driving exasperated customers to shop in other cities.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
22 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
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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
-
Chalk the moves up to uneasy investors.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Kelly and King shake things up around the half-hour mark by venturing into the real world, where Grace (Cristin Milioti), the mother of two boys unusually far apart in age, starts being overcome by uneasy feelings about a cold dark void.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Older, more experienced players — like Indiana’s fleet of 24-year olds — are usually better than younger, inexperienced ones, especially in this age of the transfer portal.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
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Tech Hamiltonians and Silicon Valley enthusiasts are often inexperienced in the ways of government and unaccustomed to the compromise and diplomacy that successful policy implementation often requires.—
Walter Russell Mead,
The Atlantic,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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