CLUNKY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

clunky

adjective

ˈkləŋ-kē

Definition of clunky

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 clunky The Dynasty contains some vestiges of its label showcase origins, including two clunky Memphis Bleek tracks with no Jay-Z verses. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 2026 But those early devices were clunky and expensive, good for large mammals such as moose and caribou, but not fit for commercial use on pets. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 July 2026 Margo’s layered voice presents a challenge; the novel-to-series pipeline often relies too heavily on clunky, uncinematic narration. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026 The handles are clunky and don’t blend well with the rest of the appliance. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky

Adjective

The other, in quite clumsy English, requested a very careful renovation of Ingmar Bergman’s house on the island of Fårö, in Sweden.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
He was saved by the presence nearby of Lisandro Martinez, but the challenge was so unorthodox, clumsy and deliberate that many referees would have cautioned the defender.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

Prior to Trump’s remarks, there were some awkward moments onstage as annual awards were given out, including to some journalists behind investigations of the president.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Talk about finances before combining households Money is one of the most common flashpoints for couples sharing a home, which is why experts urge partners to have the awkward conversations first.

— Ashley Lynch July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Fedorov saw that system as far too cumbersome and prone to corruption.

— Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
The City of Yes plan swept aside cumbersome zoning rules and made office buildings completed as recently as 1990 eligible for conversion in most of Manhattan and parts of other boroughs.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

The lucrative incentives have allowed for the conversion of unwieldy buildings in unlikely districts.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
The sprawling business model that competitors once envied had become a liability—unwieldy, capital-intensive, and increasingly unable to compete in focused, fast-moving markets.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Browse Nearby Words

clunks

clunky

cluster

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of clunky

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on clunky

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inveigle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes