AWKWARD Synonyms: 238 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'awkward' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of awkward are clumsy , gauche , inept , and maladroit . While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact. // periods of awkward silence

Q: In what contexts can 'clumsy' take the place of 'awkward'?

While the synonyms clumsy and awkward are close in meaning, clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill. // a clumsy mechanic

Q: When would 'gauche' be a good substitute for 'awkward'?

In some situations, the words gauche and awkward are roughly equivalent. However, gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding. // felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

Q: When might 'inept' be a better fit than 'awkward'?

The words inept and awkward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy. // a hopelessly inept defense attorney

Q: When could 'maladroit' be used to replace 'awkward'?

The meanings of maladroit and awkward largely overlap; however, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations. // a maladroit politician

awkward

adjective

ˈȯ-kwərd

Definition of awkward next

as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance preteens feeling awkward at their first formal dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in embarrassing

causing embarrassment the awkward situation of having to listen as your host and hostess quarrel loudly in the next room

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as in annoying

causing difficulty, discomfort, or annoyance our surprise guests came at a very awkward time

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as in cumbersome

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design that manual can opener is awkward to hold

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as in unsteady

having or showing an inability to move in a graceful manner an awkward person who is always tripping over herself

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as in unhandy

lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands an awkward catch of a fly ball

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective awkward contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of awkward are clumsy, gauche, inept, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence

In what contexts can clumsy take the place of awkward?

While the synonyms clumsy and awkward are close in meaning, clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When would gauche be a good substitute for awkward?

In some situations, the words gauche and awkward are roughly equivalent. However, gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding.

felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

When might inept be a better fit than awkward?

The words inept and awkward are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy.

a hopelessly inept defense attorney

When could maladroit be used to replace awkward?

The meanings of maladroit and awkward largely overlap; however, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations.

a maladroit politician

Examples 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 Moving either to the right carried risk because the perception is that a left-footer looks too awkward and can be pressed easily, with opposition forwards forcing them to kick with their weaker foot. —

Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024 However, even after having all of his teeth pulled out by Hermey (voiced by Paul Soles), the socially awkward, wannabe-dentist Elf, Bumble becomes a good monster, and his height becomes an asset to the elves' Christmas tree-decorating operations. —

Mike Miller, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024 Much like Ingrid and Martha’s bittersweet reunion, the film’s opening section is a bit awkward, Almodóvar‘s usual ease not entirely translating over the language gap during his characters’ first talky encounter, which involves a lengthy story Martha tells about her estranged daughter, Michelle. —

Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Read More: The Surprising Benefits of Talking Out Loud to Yourself Things might feel a little awkward during those early sessions, and that's normal, says Grant. —

Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for awkward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward

Adjective

Even our most uncomfortable emotions need to be voiced, says Lisa Marie Bobby, psychologist and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching in Denver.

Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
The complaint also details multiple scenes — including a birth scene — where Lively allegedly felt uncomfortable.

Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024