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

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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 Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase. —

Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 His left-footed shot from an awkward angle soared past Walker. —

Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025 Some employees also received incorrect termination dates in the emails on Monday, adding more awkward insult to injury. —

John Towfighi, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 What’s left out of much of the discussion is that Musk is supremely, almost cosmically, awkward and stilted. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for awkward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward

Adjective

Since then, Jupiter and Saturn have been in a tense and uncomfortable dance with each other, forming a square that has at times felt very motivating and inspiring, but also discouraging and alienating.

— Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 24 Jan. 2025
After rushing for a 44-yard touchdown on the opening drive of Philly’s divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams, Hurts suffered a knee injury in the second half and looked uncomfortable for the remainder of the game.

— Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025