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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Instead, their stilted onscreen camaraderie does the film no favors, especially as Andy and Anna gradually begin to get on better. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024 Vance, meanwhile, is the stilted right-winger who went to an Ivy League school, spent six years as a venture capitalist, and likes to spread conspiracy theories. Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2024 Whatever the justifications, the 76th Emmys were a far less dynamic and more stilted watch than the January show. Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024 His stilted, uncanny movements recall the stop-motion cadavers of Ray Harryhausen. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stilted

Cite this Entry

“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stilted. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

stilted

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stilted

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