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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
Adjective
  • In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.
    Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Grace Raynor: The Buckeyes have too much talent on offense and defense and have found a way to play angrily after the embarrassing Michigan debacle.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • There is nothing more embarrassing for the Giants than Saquon Barkley’s superstar explosion deep into his first NFL playoffs with the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This change is particularly annoying since the multiplayer structure hasn't been notably improved since payment was required.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 15 Jan. 2025
  • This is a book that is charming, intelligent and occasionally annoying.
    Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Simply moving around as a Viking warrior is cumbersome, although its combat presents a brutality the series was missing in recent entries.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
  • These bring a bass-heavy sound and the convenience of wireless audio with up to 9 hours of battery life, 15 hours more in the charging case, and a sleek design that's not too cumbersome.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Her absence, combined with an unsteady early performance and the unprecedented attack from her fire chief, have only intensified her vulnerabilities.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Retailers have been forced to work harder to win customer dollars, and demand has been unsteady as consumers think twice before buying things that may be wants rather than needs.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Add Vargas to the long list of Americans who have been uneasy about TikTok’s future.
    Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • For all of their uneasy gazing and silent discernment, artful visages are a key element in the decor.
    Leilani Marie Labong, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the negative reaction from the crowd, the CBS late night host acknowledged that unpleasant feelings abound.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
  • While wildly unpleasant, most people affected with norovirus see their symptoms resolve within a few days, the Mayo Clinic says.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near awkward

Cite this Entry

“Awkward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awkward. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on awkward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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