stilted

adjective

ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
Definition of stiltednext
1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details a stilted letter of apology that was written and accepted with equal measures of insincerity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 stilted Staffers are unfailingly warm and helpful, while never seeming stiff or stilted. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026 Tensions between Rian and Patrick flare when Rian drunkenly mentions a brief fling with Shiv, though the film’s clunky edit, which gives little room for the performances to breathe and play out organically within their contexts, makes these frictions feel stilted and juvenile. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026 Don’t Worry Darling, by contrast, felt too stilted and controlled, too programmed and predictable, almost as if the director felt obligated to rein in her stylistic impulses against a supposedly more complicated story. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stilted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stilted
  1. uncomfortable
  2. formal
  3. awkward
  4. nice
  5. clumsy
  6. decorous
  7. uneasy
  8. ceremonious
Adjective
  • There’s also something of the uncomfortable social observation of Ruben Östlund, Bong Joon Ho or Yorgos Lanthimos, and the freedom of filmmakers who allow situations to become absurd without explaining the joke.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The dry air inside an airplane cabin, combined with hours spent wearing contact lenses during a long travel day, can leave the lenses with less moisture and eyes feeling increasingly uncomfortable, experts say.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncomfortable
Adjective
  • In one of those roles, the chair assembled a formal transition committee that met with me throughout my first six months.
    — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • The happy reunion is actually a bit awkward and tense at first.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Grappling with how the world has molded you, and how that manifests in life, in love, and in your day job, can be an awkward process.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • One of the clumsiest parts of Klosterman’s book is his attempts at political punditry.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Feed your head Neagley gets off to a sluggish start, with a workmanlike, rather clumsy first episode largely spent establishing the main characters and central plot—and the writers lean a bit too hard on constant Chicago callbacks.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t go looking for hushed tones, decorous silence or the other traditions of a sport whose roots exist on the hallowed lawns of polite society.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • An uneasy quiet took over the boat as customers waited for another catch.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Republican candidates are facing voters uneasy, even angry about high prices and an unpopular war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of uneasy
Adjective
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of ceremonious

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stilt
stilted
stilts
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Cite this Entry

“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stilted. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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