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
The Giardini pavilions and Arsenale are the serious work — formally ambitious and often politically uncomfortable.
—
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
My friend left the group chat to not make their ex uncomfortable.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Bargatze tells the outlet there is something uncomfortable about building a theme park around himself, similar to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
The discoveries are an uncomfortable fact in Mexico’s second-largest city, which is preparing to host World Cup games.
—Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
My friend left the group chat to not make their ex uncomfortable.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Bargatze tells the outlet there is something uncomfortable about building a theme park around himself, similar to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
The discoveries are an uncomfortable fact in Mexico’s second-largest city, which is preparing to host World Cup games.
—Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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The scheme has been so successful, law enforcement has created a joint FBI-National Security Division task force to disrupt the operations and have dealt a series of harsh prison terms to American accomplices who have willingly aided the North Koreans.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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To fully embody her OnlyFans persona, an earthside alien named The Hungry Ghost, who offers mild nudity and harsh criticism of her willing subscribers’ genitalia.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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In her short tenure in the Legislature, the senator has amassed a deeply embarrassing history of assault allegations, historic party-switching and a dubious voting record that led The Bee to endorse her Democratic opponent, Tuolumne County supervisor Jaron Brandon.—
Robin Epley,
Sacbee.com,
11 May 2026
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Sunday’s defeat at Barcelona capped an embarrassing week for Madrid, marked by altercations between players in training that led the club to fine Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni 500,000 euros ($589,000) each.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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Two women form an uneasy alliance to stop the killer — but their own motives end up playing a role in what happens next.—
Diya Chacko,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Unless it was filled with sore knees, arthritis and bad hips.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
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Impressive considering Dylan Dodd is currently on a rehab assignment and Raisel Iglesias missed a spell with a sore shoulder.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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After her death, Riley read her diaries, an awkward experience at times.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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On-screen, Armitage’s portrayal of the socially awkward Sheldon has earned him critical acclaim.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
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Salmonflies, however, are bigger and clumsier than smaller insects like mayflies.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Quickly, and out of nowhere, the moment went from fun to incredibly painful for Golla.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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Regenvanu also makes clear that Vanuatu will not withdraw its UN resolution, despite pressure and despite painful compromises in the text.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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And since each state tax operates under its own often arcane rules, those costs can come as an unpleasant surprise.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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His rhetoric is unpleasant and extreme enough that he could not get confirmed to a university board in Florida.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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