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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Many viewers suggested the post, however awkward, might actually be a sign of genuine interest and comfort.
—
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The relationship between Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson was thrust into the national spotlight over the weekend after the North Carolina Tar Heels football coach had an awkward interview on CBS.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
For introverts who might naturally lean toward a prevention focus—fearing rejection or awkward interactions—consciously developing a promotion focus can transform their job search approach.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Its Darcy, Matthew MacFadyen, was in his late 20s and still had an awkward, youthful reserve that turned out to be perfect for this version’s take on the handsome, distant gentleman who falls for Elizabeth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The relationship between Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson was thrust into the national spotlight over the weekend after the North Carolina Tar Heels football coach had an awkward interview on CBS.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
For introverts who might naturally lean toward a prevention focus—fearing rejection or awkward interactions—consciously developing a promotion focus can transform their job search approach.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Its Darcy, Matthew MacFadyen, was in his late 20s and still had an awkward, youthful reserve that turned out to be perfect for this version’s take on the handsome, distant gentleman who falls for Elizabeth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
The Eurozone benefits from a better debt situation, though, as the Debt-to-GDP ratio is below 88% compared to an uncomfortable 124% for the U.S.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The conversation had turned uncomfortable, leaving a deal that was at the finish line suddenly dead.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Imagine being cuddled by long-legged, clumsy poodles.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2025
-
That’s — actually kind of genius, especially if the Poet was a clumsy fella who needed that kind of precautionary measure.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Many Alaskans see the prospect as an embarrassing paradox – akin to Hawaii importing pineapples or New Mexico importing green chiles.—
Brett Watson,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Real people experience messy days, tell jokes, and share embarrassing stories.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Increasing one’s protein intake requires an annoying amount of foresight, a willingness to experience short-term displeasure, or both.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This eye-rolling, annual chore is annoying, obviously, but also tied to the functioning of government.—
Made by History,
Time,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the course of his pontificate, Francis contended with conservatives and with a cumbersome bureaucracy practiced in the art of resisting change.—
Randall Balmer,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
-
But deportation — a cumbersome process generally involving an arrest, detention, a removal order from a judge and finally a flight out of the U.S. — can take months or years.—
Alyson Hurt,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Something long and meandering like this: For the next four years, the United States will be an unpredictable, unsteady global superpower run by a fascist oligarchy, in which the people’s representatives cater to a madman’s whim.—
Eli Grober,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
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An unsteady job market has contributed to rising scrutiny around large corporations, also a driving theme of the season.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Consumer sentiment and expectations Americans are feeling uneasy about the economy, and that is showing up in the data.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Still, Ruark is increasingly uneasy about the future.—
Catherine Baab,
Quartz,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Doing so consumes water, requires the use of often eco-unfriendly cleansers, and adds an unpleasant task to janitors' daily duties.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2025
-
But that’s another unpleasant truth that is best left unspoken.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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