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
Cox usually shied away from the limelight and was uncomfortable when talking about himself.
—
Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Even if your flight is only a quick duration, no one wants to look sloppy, wrinkled, or feel uncomfortable.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
Wilson insists that MacInnes told her that an incident in September 2023, during which MacInnes and Ghost shared a bath in swimsuits, had made the young actress uncomfortable.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 May 2026
Writing a novel forces confrontation — with uncertainty, with imperfection, with the uncomfortable gap between what was imagined and what exists on the page.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Even if your flight is only a quick duration, no one wants to look sloppy, wrinkled, or feel uncomfortable.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
Wilson insists that MacInnes told her that an incident in September 2023, during which MacInnes and Ghost shared a bath in swimsuits, had made the young actress uncomfortable.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 May 2026
Writing a novel forces confrontation — with uncertainty, with imperfection, with the uncomfortable gap between what was imagined and what exists on the page.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
-
The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 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
-
There, migrant labor, economic need and repressed desire collide, especially through his uneasy bond with Arvydas, a Czech co-worker whose open homophobia masks darker tensions.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
11 May 2026
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The landfill theory made some birding enthusiasts uneasy and prompted some authorities, locals and others to defend Ushuaia, a city of nearly 85,000 that draws tourists to its Antarctic cruise ships and abundant, watchworthy bird population.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Stretching or using a foam roller on sore or tight muscles can apply pressure to the fascia while stretching the limb, Kanjiya says.—
Scott Haak,
EverydayHealth.com,
6 May 2026
-
In a steam room, the moist heat will soothe sore muscles and joints and can be useful for conditions like arthritis or muscle stiffness.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
In a video about an erratic Uber driver, a recognizable dynamic—awkward small talk, impatience to set off—escalates into a life-threatening one.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Hannah and Garrett’s connection begins with an awkward encounter.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Furthermore, Sharpe spent six months learning how to tinkle the ivories, an impressive commitment which pays off during the pivotal piano battles and ensures a welcome absence of clumsy cutaways from fingers to face.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
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Then with a little nudging, the clumsy newborn finds the udder bulging between the cow’s back legs and hungrily suckles colostrum so critical for its first feeding.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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His two more physical characters were delightful to watch, like a navy admiral addicted to spit takes, as well as a substitute teacher subjecting his students to painful dancing.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
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The global outbreak of the coronavirus and its painful memories are very much at the forefront of peoples minds here in Tenerife, where local leaders have vehemently contested the disembarkation, and some of the local population has gathered in protest over the past few days.—
Vasco Cotovio,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Place a bowl of coffee grounds in the offending area (or, in the case of your shoes, place dry grounds in an old sock or cloth tied up and leave overnight inside the shoe) and let the grounds absorb unpleasant odors, says Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning Unlimited.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
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Years later, the teenaged Daughter lets in a woman from the outside, which causes chaos in their relationship and reveals some unpleasant secrets.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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