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
Relevance
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
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 uncomfortable
Admitting something uncomfortable to oneself, about oneself, is brave.
—
Melinda Newman, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
Peterson says Sam became uncomfortable with his biological gender as puberty arrived.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
The killing has raised uncomfortable questions about the GOP’s core positions on issues ranging from gun ownership to states’ rights and trust in the federal government.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
Both of these drying mistakes can singe the fibers, making your once fluffy towels stiff and uncomfortable.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Melinda Newman, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
Peterson says Sam became uncomfortable with his biological gender as puberty arrived.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
The killing has raised uncomfortable questions about the GOP’s core positions on issues ranging from gun ownership to states’ rights and trust in the federal government.
—Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
Both of these drying mistakes can singe the fibers, making your once fluffy towels stiff and uncomfortable.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
-
The energy output is designed to remain stable down to –50 degrees Celsius, supporting reliable operation in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reports InsideEVs.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Rapinchuk recommends only using non-toxic products when cleaning your refrigerator and avoiding anything with harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This isn’t about which teams are in the worst shape right now, or slumping the hardest, or generating the most embarrassing stories.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
-
And as a possible host or co-host of these events, your own involvement is more direct — and therefore even more embarrassing.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Chalk the moves up to uneasy investors.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Kelly and King shake things up around the half-hour mark by venturing into the real world, where Grace (Cristin Milioti), the mother of two boys unusually far apart in age, starts being overcome by uneasy feelings about a cold dark void.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Jimmy Butler was lost for the season last week with a torn ACL, and trade candidate Jonathan Kuminga has been unable to play while battling a sore knee.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Sacramento, which by all rights should be rebuilding, put themselves on course to be over the luxury tax next season by adding a 28-year old with sore knees while giving up a 26-year-old whose next contract will likely be for half as much.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Scenes around the dinner table are awkward to say the least, but Meg has a big supporter in bestie Penny (Sophia Torres) and a burning desire to bring this show to life against all odds.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
-
All four athletes stood together, smiling for photos through an undeniably awkward situation.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Rosenberg is careful to note that this doesn’t require abandoning values or discernment, but recognizing that beneath every expression — skillful, clumsy, or even hurtful — is an unmet need.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The clumsy, confusing rollout of the fees certainly didn’t help — as many residents who were promised a locals discount couldn’t figure out how to tap that benefit.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This winter’s procedure, Edman said, included a ligament repair and the removal of some painful bone spurs in the ankle, which had limited not just his baserunning but his ability to bounce back and forth between the infield and the outfield.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
With Rock’s unmistakable voice narrating every awkward win and painful loss, the series balanced humor with real-life lessons.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Over time, ice can absorb unpleasant odors from the freezer.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Hair shedding, rashes, dark spots, night sweats, and other unpleasant changes on top of taking care of a new baby (and sleep deprivation) are a lot to deal with.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
