GAWKY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

gawky 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgȯ-kē

Definition of gawky

as in clumsy

having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner the stiff, gawky gait of a newborn colt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gawky

2 of 2

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 gawky

Adjective

The league’s very first pick, by the New York franchise, was Chloe Covell, a skinny, slightly gawky skateboarder from Australia’s Gold Coast. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 14 Mar. 2026 Homeroom placement was designated by test scores, and Smith rightly recalled that her homeroom class with Tupac was filled by twenty-eight Black students — and a gawky white kid named William Yates. — Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 Crenshaw made fun of Davidson’s gawky stature and then called for respect for all veterans as well as first responders in the 9/11 attacks — one of whom was Davidson’s father. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes. — Literary Hub, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gawky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gawky

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

Noun

Star-studded, and then some, the upcoming show boasts giant of stage and screen John Lithgow as Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer as stern but wise Professor Minerva McGonagall, and comedy stalwart Nick Frost as gentle oaf Rubeus Hagrid.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
And in the 1939 film, the Wizard is a kind of bumbling oaf who has stumbled onto the levers of power (almost literally).

— Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Definition of oaf

Adjective

Using original photographs, and input from the Pourtout archives, the restoration team reversed the ungainly Saoutchik body modifications, and the curved windshield and twin rear-window design returned.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Instead of an ungainly pile of pillows, modern buyers prefer to let the materials sing.

— Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

Definition of ungainly

Noun

Now that these lovable chaos agents are joined by all manner of fearsome, gelatinous people-eaters, parents might be wondering whether to have their youngest tykes sit this installment out.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 July 2026
At least Duncan’s daughter and fellow cadet, Teela (Eire Farrell), takes pity on the hopeless tyke.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026

Definition of tyke

Noun

Carrie raves to Seema about her creative connection with Duncan, and during another writing session, Duncan helps Carrie with her faulty printer and gawks at her closet full of designer dresses and shoes.

— Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 31 July 2025
The badaud, by contrast, is always liable to form a group or crowd, either for a mass gawk or some communal response.

— Julian Barnes, The New York Review of Books, 27 Apr. 2022

Definition of gawk

Browse Nearby Words

gawks

gawky

gawp

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Gawky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gawky. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gawky

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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