Synonyms of stilted

stilted

adjective

ˈstil-təd 

1

as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance

the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• clumsy
• uneasy
• wooden
• embarrassed
• rustic
• inelegant
• stiff
• ungraceful
• timid
• gauche
• rough-hewn
• flustered
• graceless
• nervous
• upset
• disturbed
• gawky
• ungainly
• agitated
• unsettled
• meek
• angular
• clownish
• boorish
• abashed
• uncouth
• discomfited
• lubberly
• distressed
• bothered
• disconcerted
• jumpy
• self-conscious
• perturbed
• discomforted
• disquieted
• nonplussed
• unassertive
• rattled
• mortified
• diffident
• insecure
• modest
• jittery
• chagrined
• discomposed
• dismayed
• unassuming
• discountenanced
• unhinged
• unpretentious
• fazed
• self-doubting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• graceful
• suave
• urbane
• composed
• collected
• undisturbed
• calm
• confident
• serene
• cool
• tranquil
• secure
• placid
• unperturbed
• poised
• assured
• self-possessed
• self-assured
• self-confident

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

• formal
• nice
• decorous
• ceremonious
• stiff
• correct
• solemn
• proper
• punctilious
• civil
• starchy
• polite
• polished
• refined
• stiff-necked
• stately
• courtly
• sober
• chivalrous
• gallant
• courteous
• genteel
• red-carpet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• easygoing
• improper
• unceremonious
• indecorous
• laid-back
• unmannerly
• discourteous
• rude
• impolite

Example Sentences

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