as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
even my five-year-old laptop seems clunky next to some of the really slim new models
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Recent Examples of clunky
But the docking mechanism into its carrier is, again, clunky, adding to the notion that this is Motorola's first rodeo with this particular form factor.
—
Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
And instead of clunky space heaters, Russo recommends seating that stays cozy on its own.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Though the vacuum and included emptying station might appear clunky at first, there’s a functional reason for that rocket-like appearance.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
The big-market, last-place Cubs are 6-8 after Saturday afternoon’s clunky 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, which lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes over 11 innings at Wrigley Field.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clunky
Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
And instead of clunky space heaters, Russo recommends seating that stays cozy on its own.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Though the vacuum and included emptying station might appear clunky at first, there’s a functional reason for that rocket-like appearance.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
The big-market, last-place Cubs are 6-8 after Saturday afternoon’s clunky 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, which lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes over 11 innings at Wrigley Field.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky
Adjective
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But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
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Salmonflies, however, are bigger and clumsier than smaller insects like mayflies.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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In a video about an erratic Uber driver, a recognizable dynamic—awkward small talk, impatience to set off—escalates into a life-threatening one.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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Hannah and Garrett’s connection begins with an awkward encounter.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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These tanks needed to be swift, well-protected, and capable of delivering high volumes of firepower, without being extremely cumbersome or heavy.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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Traditional borrowing can be cumbersome, but some institutions will lend to collectors solely on the value of their art holdings.—
The Editors of ARTnews,
Robb Report,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
But without the enormously impactful Doncic, his task has proven too tenuous, his responsibilities too unwieldy, his miracle too unworkable.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
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The pleasantly buzzy ballroom, cast in semi-dimmed lighting, filled with excited chatter and clinking silverware, felt like a slightly unwieldy wedding reception.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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