ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance
a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
Building a company, writing a book, or helping others can be slow, frustrating or uncomfortable.
—
Alex Korb, Ph.d., CNBC, 4 May 2026
The single most uncomfortable question on Tuesday’s ballot has nothing to do with any performer.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 May 2026
Hormones are also a lifeline for women who have uncomfortable-to-debilitating conditions such as endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as a range of autoimmune disorders that have nothing to do with reproduction.
—Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
On a single day in America, two tragedies unfolded that should force us to confront an uncomfortable truth.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Alex Korb, Ph.d., CNBC, 4 May 2026
The single most uncomfortable question on Tuesday’s ballot has nothing to do with any performer.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 May 2026
Hormones are also a lifeline for women who have uncomfortable-to-debilitating conditions such as endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, as well as a range of autoimmune disorders that have nothing to do with reproduction.
—Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
On a single day in America, two tragedies unfolded that should force us to confront an uncomfortable truth.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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Accusations were made, lawsuits were filed, harsh words were spoken and feelings were hurt.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
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It’s prized for sculpting a high-definition lip that holds up under the harshest red-carpet lighting.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After an awful, embarrassing playoff exit two seasons ago the Heat improved by six wins this season and had the highest offensive rating in club history.—
Greg Cote
April 28,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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The typical phone call between Breslow and Cora after Friday night’s embarrassing 10-3 loss also didn’t happen, team sources say.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This return to record highs means 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts and stock portfolios that track benchmark US stock indexes recovered after an uneasy few weeks.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
-
So as the series shifts back to Kia Center, the Magic find themselves in a position that is both familiar and uneasy.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Alex Bregman, originally not in the Chicago Cubs lineup because of a sore toe from a hit by pitch Sunday, was called on to pinch hit in the seventh inning Tuesday night at Petco Park.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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But the Tigers’ bullpen has still been a sore point so far this season.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Cohen offered limited clarity on the structure during what at times was a combative and awkward interview, repeatedly directing viewers to the company's website for details.—
Yun Li,Anniek Bao,Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
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The awkward catching-up process turns into energetic conversations about race, relationships, class, status and rehabilitation, then shifts to deep familial spiritual bonding.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Our hands soon became insensitive, clumsy hooks.—
Jim Hoagland,
Outdoor Life,
30 Apr. 2026
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The production is a revival of the disappointingly fussy, clumsy, old-fashioned one by Lee Blakeley the company unveiled in 2013 for Conlon and to celebrate the Verdi bicentennial.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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All this may explain why the war doesn’t linger in British memory as a painful loss.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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But Saturday’s loss will hurt for a while, with Messi delivering a message to the team following the painful result.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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If plastic is a must (especially in areas prone to moisture), the vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme detergent routine should get all unpleasant smells out.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
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This can result in unpleasant odors, stains, and even mold and mildew growth.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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