1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
preteens feeling awkward at their first formal dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
her awkward handling of the seating arrangements at the wedding reception resulted in many hurt feelings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the awkward situation of having to listen as your host and hostess quarrel loudly in the next room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in annoying
causing difficulty, discomfort, or annoyance
our surprise guests came at a very awkward time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in cumbersome
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
that manual can opener is awkward to hold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in unsteady
having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner
an awkward person who is always tripping over herself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in unhandy
lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands
an awkward catch of a fly ball
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 awkward
The most shocking reunion, however, was between Dexter and Batista, former close friends and colleagues who now shared an awkward hug and a Cuban sandwich in a brief respite from the tension that would follow.
—
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Jess’s sudden confession of her love for Felix was awkward but not necessarily bad.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Best Buy $799 $599 (25% off) Google Store The Pixel 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) sits in an awkward spot—not as great value as the Pixel 9a, and not as flagship as the Pixel 9 Pro.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 10 July 2025
That way, friends who weren’t partaking in drinks at dinner weren’t obligated to split the cost while not imbibing, and there was no awkward dance of who’s-paying-this-time, especially as some of the attendees were just meeting for the first time on the trip.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 July 2025
Jess’s sudden confession of her love for Felix was awkward but not necessarily bad.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Best Buy $799 $599 (25% off) Google Store The Pixel 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) sits in an awkward spot—not as great value as the Pixel 9a, and not as flagship as the Pixel 9 Pro.
—Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 10 July 2025
That way, friends who weren’t partaking in drinks at dinner weren’t obligated to split the cost while not imbibing, and there was no awkward dance of who’s-paying-this-time, especially as some of the attendees were just meeting for the first time on the trip.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for awkward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward
Adjective
-
As the narrative has expanded into continuation and origin stories, like Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Original Sin, Hall, 54, has returned as Dexter Morgan for even more uncomfortable experiences, while still out for blood.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
But a slightly uncomfortable conversation is better than resentment.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
And Hank’s own clumsy attempts at hypermasculine child-rearing often come from his father, Cotton (Toby Huss).—
Daniel Dockery,
Vulture,
7 July 2025
-
Gone are are the days of clumsy imagery and texts and fake sign-in pages that can be detected in an instant.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Top Model tried to give me an embarrassing new look.—
Sarah Hartshorne,
Vulture,
7 July 2025
-
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Adidas London Originals Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered an embarrassing early exit, losing in the first round to.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Figuring out how to reply to an annoying co-worker on Slack?—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
In other words, these annoying tasks will actually start to feel good.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Second, immigrant families could obtain relief through class-action lawsuits, although filing class actions in federal court can be a lengthy and cumbersome process.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
-
Their effects will be modulated by how cumbersome or efficient work-verification systems are, by the availability of insurance-eligibility workers, and by community outreach or lack thereof.—
Lindsay Ryan,
The Atlantic,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
As the uncertainty wears on, business leaders face an unsteady economic future, meaning Indiana could see less hiring and less investment in the local economy, Hummels said.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
-
With Showtime launched in 2023 after a couple of unsteady years as a bundle of the two discrete services — the stand-alone streamer Paramount+ (f.k.a.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Outlook: Stability or Strain? Oil markets in 2024 were defined by an uneasy equilibrium.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Given that uneasy reminder, the small victory ultimately won by King and his followers is even more extraordinary and potent.—
Sophie van Bastelaer,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
But many of the Blues’ outings have been unpleasant because of high temperatures and storms, and six games across the tournament have been paused for poor weather conditions, angering manager Enzo Maresca.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
8 July 2025
-
My other wildlife standoff involved a much cuter animal, but potentially far more unpleasant.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share