as in ineptly
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 clumsily
Then a new entity clumsily named Netflix intruded with its quantum equation.
—
Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
As for the fifth dimension, China’s power is having a corrosive effect on democracies, including in the United States, which has clumsily adopted measures that resemble the CCP’s mercenary mercantilism.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Others saw a guy clumsily expressing sincere commitment.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Denis and Roger really wanted to try and play the scene through as clumsily and naturally as possible, and Donald had his brilliant idea.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025
But must they be maneuvered so clumsily, and with such a glaring absence of brains or heart?
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025
There's a reason that people who are intoxicated tend to stumble, fall, or behave clumsily.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Completely nude and covered in suds, Jeff makes a run for his secret hideaway in the store, clumsily vaulting himself over a toy rack and makeshift wall to do so.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
Nix remained underwater in September as Denver stumbled clumsily into the national spotlight with one win.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
As for the fifth dimension, China’s power is having a corrosive effect on democracies, including in the United States, which has clumsily adopted measures that resemble the CCP’s mercenary mercantilism.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Others saw a guy clumsily expressing sincere commitment.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Denis and Roger really wanted to try and play the scene through as clumsily and naturally as possible, and Donald had his brilliant idea.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025
But must they be maneuvered so clumsily, and with such a glaring absence of brains or heart?
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025
There's a reason that people who are intoxicated tend to stumble, fall, or behave clumsily.
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
Completely nude and covered in suds, Jeff makes a run for his secret hideaway in the store, clumsily vaulting himself over a toy rack and makeshift wall to do so.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
Nix remained underwater in September as Denver stumbled clumsily into the national spotlight with one win.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clumsily
Adverb
-
Dancing the Poznan really ineptly, mind you, but dancing nonetheless.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Somehow this ineptly plotted affair lured Keke Palmer into its lair and her comedy chops all but gets handcuffed by an illogical, unfunny screenplay.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
On his only reception of the game, Kittle’s foot was twisted awkwardly on a tackle by Philadelphia safety Marcus Epps.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Last year, the shadows of the Hollywood wildfires loomed large over the various proceedings, which led to several hosts awkwardly attempting to justify holding awards shows in a city still ravaged by a natural disaster.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
There is no need to laboriously clean and sand the walls before priming, per Johnson.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
29 Dec. 2025
-
With buckets and mops, Palestinians laboriously scooped water out of their tents.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Dec. 2025
Adverb
-
The first year back from knee reconstruction is a tough one, and by all accounts, Darrisaw beat the timetable projection by arduously and relentlessly working through his rehab.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Dec. 2025
-
The composite record builds subtly and slowly, almost arduously.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clumsily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clumsily. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
