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

Mufasa opens in the stilted aftermath of the 2019 movie (also written by Nathanson). —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

The rooms The camp has just nine tents branching off a stilted wooden walkway with plenty of space in between. —Chris Schalkx, AFAR Media, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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