as in clumsiness
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of awkwardness
Around day three, the awkwardness started to fade.
—
Sascha Brodsky,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
All in all, though, Piña and Hawk’s arrival is a relief; despite untold opportunities for fresh awkwardness and turmoil, the film seems more at ease in the company of guests.
—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Young Washington, a new biopic, gives us pre-Revolutionary George, early-20s George, pale, petulant, virginal, ramrod-straight, and bristling with awkwardness and ambition.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Succumbing to the urge to scroll Instagram the second conversation grows quiet or social awkwardness creeps in.
—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Watson, understandably, seemed to be more comfortable as his interview went on, but there’s no running — for anyone — from the general awkwardness of the whole situation.
—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
Yet any awkwardness appears to have been short-lived.
—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Cruz acknowledged the awkwardness of convening a hearing on the topic of college sports while larger global crises erupt.
—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
If not, this will save her the awkwardness of trimming her guest list.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Sascha Brodsky,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
All in all, though, Piña and Hawk’s arrival is a relief; despite untold opportunities for fresh awkwardness and turmoil, the film seems more at ease in the company of guests.
—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Young Washington, a new biopic, gives us pre-Revolutionary George, early-20s George, pale, petulant, virginal, ramrod-straight, and bristling with awkwardness and ambition.
—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Succumbing to the urge to scroll Instagram the second conversation grows quiet or social awkwardness creeps in.
—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Watson, understandably, seemed to be more comfortable as his interview went on, but there’s no running — for anyone — from the general awkwardness of the whole situation.
—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
12 June 2026
Yet any awkwardness appears to have been short-lived.
—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Cruz acknowledged the awkwardness of convening a hearing on the topic of college sports while larger global crises erupt.
—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
If not, this will save her the awkwardness of trimming her guest list.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkwardness
Noun
-
In January 2024, Lola was diagnosed with leukemia after her parents initially mistook bruises appearing across her body for childhood clumsiness.
-
The tree, which graces a botanical garden, bears patient witness to all manner of human clumsiness.
Noun
-
Not two years later this tower was to collapse precipitately under its own weight into a pyramid of dust and rubble, only to be rebuilt later, in, unaccountably, all its former gracelessness.
Cite this Entry
“Awkwardness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkwardness. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
