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

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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 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 Too clunky to be S-tier Nolan, but the last act rewards the journey. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 This detail—along with the slim design that slips seamlessly into low-profile shoes without looking clunky—makes the insoles ideal for wearing with sockless footwear, such as ballet flats or loafers. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky

Adjective

And the big rocket launch feels way too clumsy, the stakes feeling much lower than play builds towards.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Paul Breitner, West Germany vs Netherlands, 1974 The Germans equalise from the spot after a clumsy foul by Wim Jansen.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

And having everyone try to speak in English with Greek accents (not that the Greeks 2700 years ago would have sounded like Greeks do today) would have been awkward.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
If the process had advanced to a hearing, the Blues would have been put in the awkward position of having to build a case against him.

— Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Because Imax cameras are loud, cumbersome and expensive, most movies that use Imax only utilize the company’s high-tech devices for certain action sequences.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 20 July 2026
The design is meant to match the shape of a foot without feeling clunky or cumbersome.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

But the immense and unwieldy new blimped camera prompted changes in how the crew functioned.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026
In video of the occupation, Tubbs and his trusty dog Pujo can be seen sitting atop a towering twenty-foot platform, precariously balanced on two long poles anchored by an unwieldy pair of cables.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Browse Nearby Words

clunks

clunky

cluster

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“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of clunky

adjective

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