stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd 

1

a

: pompous, lofty

b

: formal, stiff

2

: having the curve beginning at some distance above the impost

a stilted arch

stiltedly adverb

stiltedness noun

Synonyms

• awkward
• clumsy
• gauche
• graceless
• inelegant
• rough-hewn
• rustic
• rustical
• stiff
• uncomfortable
• uneasy
• ungraceful
• wooden

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

So much more whimsical and memorable than a stilted 15-person sit-down dinner at one of those restaurants where a cheeseburger costs $27. —Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024

The videos are often eerily lifelike, capturing Mr. Musk’s iconic stilted cadence and South African accent. —Stuart A. Thompson, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2024

Legs wheeling, steve is a stilted shadow on the side of the road, a hundred feet before the finish line, waiting for me. —Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024

The pilot opens with the arrival of his new second-in-command Dag, played by Lolly Adefope, who provides a somewhat stilted expository voice. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

stilted

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd 

: not easy and natural

stilted speech