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

Played in full, Silent Way induces a pervasive nausea, reveling in gawky soundscapes that seem barely able to contain their outsized, clashing ideas. — Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for gawky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gawky

Adjective

This not only flipped the pages but also translated the Japanese onomatopoeic sounds into somewhat clumsy English equivalents.

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
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

Definition of clumsy

Noun

That isn’t enough to humble our black-eyed lout, but spending a few months as a dishwasher at The Flagship in exchange for getting to sleep on the head chef’s hammock soon will.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
The league’s most popular player has become its biggest lout.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Definition of lout

Adjective

Created by Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, the series has earned comparisons to Friends and Girls thanks to its awkward humor, relatable characters, and chaotic friendships.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
If Tottenham don’t sign someone before that first game, De Zerbi might have to use an awkward front three of the Frenchman, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

— Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 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

However, their budding relationship is strained by the possibility that the tyke might be the Antichrist.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
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

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

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“Gawky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gawky. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gawky

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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