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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
Gone are the days of grinning and bearing through tight, uncomfortable jeans for the sake of a cute outfit.
—
Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
However, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Anna Tatsioni says doing so actually makes the rest of the room more uncomfortable to move through.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
This week, the call came from someone — certainly not a novice — who found himself in an uncomfortable situation.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Stewart Adamson looked uncomfortable.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
However, lead interior designer and architect at Decorilla Anna Tatsioni says doing so actually makes the rest of the room more uncomfortable to move through.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 31 May 2026
This week, the call came from someone — certainly not a novice — who found himself in an uncomfortable situation.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Stewart Adamson looked uncomfortable.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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The flap has also brought harsh criticism from prominent people in Miami, including former Democratic congressman Joe Garcia.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
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Without excessive optimism, in a world that is becoming harsher, the Festival, on the contrary, is opening up and improving.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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The Yankees have made the postseason in eight out of the last nine seasons, but have made just one Fall Classic that ended in embarrassing fashion.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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In one particularly embarrassing incident for the agency, a man not only jumped the fence but got to the front door of the White House and entered before being apprehended.—
Matt Viser,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Until these vexing unknowns are figured out, AI for mental health will be in an uneasy position and subject to strident criticisms and concerns.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Other Western media outlets, meanwhile, are growing more uneasy about what possible interviews with Lai could mean for their presence in China, The Associated Press reported.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Mac Jones did not throw Wednesday because of a sore shoulder that checked out clean and should be ready for training camp, which is expected to open July 25 or 26.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
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Sales have been a sore spot for Lululemon, but profitability has been an even larger challenge.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Indeed, a dying wish and a cryptic clue lead the unlikely duo on a journey full of twists and turns, bad choices, awkward conversations, lies, fights, mystery, betrayal, and a dangerous killer.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
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Stakeholder facilitation and consensus-building bridge communication gaps and ease awkward conversations about one’s own compensation.—
Jim Hebets,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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After the zapfest on Earth, the anti-climactic tussle between the forces of good and evil occurs back on Eternia, where He-Man and his nemesis cross swords in a clumsy fight that’s not only predictable but also photographed and edited poorly.—
Jeffrey Ressner,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
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The simple walking pattern adopted by fish, which the Cambridge researchers call an ‘undulating tripod gait’, can appear to be quite clumsy and involves too much flopping.—
Abhishek Bhardwaj,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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The result was a painful correction.—
Robert Ginsburg,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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The most painful part of the quarter-long dry spell was that Oklahoma City seemed to have all the answers during San Antonio’s explosive first half.—
William Guillory,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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An open box will absorb unpleasant smells in your bathroom for up to four months.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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