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
While practical on the surface, this clunky arrangement creates visual clutter and has its functionality drawbacks, too.
—
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026
And when the season started, and Nix, after a clunky September, took flight, no one even mentioned Stidham’s name.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
Hoka Women’s Mafate 4 Lite Sneaker Sometimes, a clunky sneaker is just too much, which is why the Mafate 4 Lite shines.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Plus, the unattached back piece looks clunky, and the tongue doesn’t read.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clunky
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 19 Jan. 2026
And when the season started, and Nix, after a clunky September, took flight, no one even mentioned Stidham’s name.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
Hoka Women’s Mafate 4 Lite Sneaker Sometimes, a clunky sneaker is just too much, which is why the Mafate 4 Lite shines.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2026
Plus, the unattached back piece looks clunky, and the tongue doesn’t read.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clunky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky
Adjective
-
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The clumsy, confusing rollout of the fees certainly didn’t help — as many residents who were promised a locals discount couldn’t figure out how to tap that benefit.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Scenes around the dinner table are awkward to say the least, but Meg has a big supporter in bestie Penny (Sophia Torres) and a burning desire to bring this show to life against all odds.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
-
All four athletes stood together, smiling for photos through an undeniably awkward situation.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Others utilize passive mechanical structures that are often cumbersome and can’t shift shape in real time.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Bleach solutions also work but are more cumbersome and require a several-minute soak time.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Remote online hearings, once considered unwieldy at best and unworkable at worst, became possible.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
-
This is the Goldilocks board—substantial without being unwieldy, and priced right for most home cooks.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
