stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
1
2
: having the curve beginning at some distance above the impost
a stilted arch
stiltedly adverb
stiltedness noun

Examples of stilted in a Sentence

the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests a stilted letter of apology that was written and accepted with equal measures of insincerity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Not for him the literary circles of London or the stilted dinner parties of Brahmin Boston. Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Designed by architect Antony Gibbons as a whimsical family escape for these Airbnb hosts, this unique, stilted, stand-alone cabin has massive windows that look out into the Catskill Mountains and to the on-site pond. Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 18 Feb. 2025 Another example is The Last Barbeque (2008), which depicts a relaxed social gathering that is both familiar in concept and enigmatic in feel, within a somewhat stilted composition. Precious Adesina, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Meanwhile, Athie finds warmth in Olivier’s detachment, ably using his deep voice for a stilted delivery that makes this wayward man feel quite at home bonding with a single chair. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stilted

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stilted was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stilted. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stilted

adjective
stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
: not easy and natural
stilted speech

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