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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stilted
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
The entry-level category lagoon studio suite starts at a generous 788 square-feet of indoor space, coupled with a 1,016-square-foot private patio with a heated plunge pool; for a bit more space, including a generous separate living room, book a stilted room that rests over the water.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026
There are [the Sama-Bajau], people in Indonesia who live on stilted homes and live on rafts.
—Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Yet Seehorn and Wydra’s interactions are more stilted than charged.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stilted
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2026
The entry-level category lagoon studio suite starts at a generous 788 square-feet of indoor space, coupled with a 1,016-square-foot private patio with a heated plunge pool; for a bit more space, including a generous separate living room, book a stilted room that rests over the water.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026
There are [the Sama-Bajau], people in Indonesia who live on stilted homes and live on rafts.
—Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Yet Seehorn and Wydra’s interactions are more stilted than charged.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stilted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stilted
Adjective
-
Colbert said, as images of the president sitting and looking uncomfortable appeared onscreen.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The legal grey area has apparently even made Frontex, the EU border control agency, uncomfortable.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Since the 2018 reforms began requiring the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to report awards and settlements related to formal complaints, there have been eight payments made by House members' offices, totaling just over $400,000.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
He was ordered to complete a 52-week domestic violence program and sentenced to three years of formal probation.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The few who described speaking with her told me that their interactions had been very brief—just a short, awkward hello.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Communication can be blunt and awkward.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
North Texas will see a nice break from any rain before chances quickly return late Friday to Saturday.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Jacob Wilson hit a two-run single and made a nice defensive play at shortstop, helping the Athletics to a 2-1 win over Texas on Tuesday night that ended a seven-game losing streak against the Rangers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Even young Oklahoma City required a clumsy postseason audition.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The driver and his accomplice then mounted a clumsy getaway that resulted in their scooter crashing about three blocks from the scene, cops said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But such disagreements tended to be handled with the decorous language of diplomacy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The playing position was thought more decorous than the position for the violin, and the mandolin itself was visually attractive, appearing as a fashion accessory in any number of paintings.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In its blending of ’90s slowcore and post-rock, the Chicago quartet conjures an uneasy reprieve, casting resignation not as a dead end but an inevitable, enviable acceptance.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Yet others remain uncertain about what the authority of a two-thirds majority will bring, with some uneasy about taking such a mandate from Orbán and delivering it to his opponent.—
Justin Spike,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stilted. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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