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
What’s wrong with being uncomfortable and plowing through demanding texts that challenge us to think about bygone times, far-off places and painful emotions, poignantly expressed?
—
Patricia Steckler, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026
The First Amendment exists precisely to protect journalists who shine light on truth and hold power accountable, even when that reporting makes officials uncomfortable.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
There is always this weird, uncomfortable hierarchical relationship, where the journalist might feel superior, or the subject feels that way.
—Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Moving forward also means facing uncomfortable questions about what the institution — and the family members themselves — may have known about Mountbatten-Windsor’s activities.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Patricia Steckler, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026
The First Amendment exists precisely to protect journalists who shine light on truth and hold power accountable, even when that reporting makes officials uncomfortable.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
There is always this weird, uncomfortable hierarchical relationship, where the journalist might feel superior, or the subject feels that way.
—Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Moving forward also means facing uncomfortable questions about what the institution — and the family members themselves — may have known about Mountbatten-Windsor’s activities.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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The scene, however, of Myers skating around for warmups and enjoying some time with his family underscored the harsh realities of trade deadline season for the players — and the families — directly involved.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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While many ground covers are resilient and can thrive in harsh growing conditions, such as areas with full sun and dry soil, environments that are overly damp and soggy can be tricky for certain ground covers.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Wilks was fired with three games remaining in the season following a 48-20 embarrassing loss at Jacksonville in Week 15.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
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For a population that strives not only to be good, but to be officially good—to dedicate its offices to the needs and the vindication of the vulnerable—the persistence of family abuse is an embarrassing rebuke.—
Elaine Blair,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That has trading partners uneasy.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Now, marquee names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have gotten into the game, creating an uneasy juxtaposition as other players have bemoaned the effects of gambling and verbal assault from fans.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Green had missed Sunday’s game with a sore back, and after an uber-physical matchup against DeAndre Jordan, Derik Queen and the bulky Pelicans on Tuesday, the coaching staff decided to play it safe.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
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Unlock The Mystery Surrounding A Lone Mailbox Sticking out like a sore thumb along gently swaying sea oats and majestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a legendary character in this part of North Carolina.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When cutting food, holding the meat with the fork in an awkward vertical position.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Other awkward—and more viral—moments included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stealing the spotlight from Modi by refusing to hold hands for a photo op designed to be a show of unity and triumph.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That makes the killers kind of human and fallible and clumsy, and these movies get a lot of mileage out of the slapstick shenanigans of their slasher chases.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
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Then, however, Phillips was sent off four minutes into the second half for a clumsy lunge at Svante Ingelsson, and suddenly Wednesday believed.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But a child does not have the emotional or cognitive framework to process adult relationship details, especially the painful or blame-filled parts of a divorce.—
Jann Blackstone,
Boston Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
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Tendonectomy is less painful than onychectomy; a study from Cornell University found that 67 percent of cats resumed normal behavior three days after tendonectomy, compared with just 44 percent for onychectomy.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But blackouts have become an unpleasant routine.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
28 Feb. 2026
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Standing water, combined with food residue, can create unpleasant odors.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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