ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance
a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
All three teams had a noticeable athleticism advantage that made the Horned Frogs uncomfortable.
—
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025
The Dolphins’ decision not to spend the necessary money to address a handful of glaring needs in free agency have left them in the uncomfortable spot of not only being compelled to draft for need in the first round, but also needing to find three immediate starters in the draft.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Some people fear being seen as overly assertive, others find camera-on policies intrusive and many are uncomfortable with pauses in conversation—mistaking silence for disengagement.
—Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Formal wear has its own gendered, classist, and uncomfortable baggage.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025
The Dolphins’ decision not to spend the necessary money to address a handful of glaring needs in free agency have left them in the uncomfortable spot of not only being compelled to draft for need in the first round, but also needing to find three immediate starters in the draft.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Some people fear being seen as overly assertive, others find camera-on policies intrusive and many are uncomfortable with pauses in conversation—mistaking silence for disengagement.
—Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Formal wear has its own gendered, classist, and uncomfortable baggage.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
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When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Nine Republicans, including Luna, dealt Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) an embarrassing blow on Tuesday afternoon by voting against a rule vote to advance several pieces of legislation.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Apr. 2025
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As the marketing meeting for Howard's film finally begins, Maya put Matt on the spot to deliver the note, only for Howard to recall, in detail, Matt's embarrassing suggestion from the screening of A Beautiful Mind in front of everyone.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Inflation, perhaps stiffened by tariffs, and uncertainty over the future of the labor market have left consumers feeling uneasy.—
DeArbea Walker,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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But the Armageddon-level stakes of unrest in the region should make anyone uneasy about mishaps.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Made with silicone, this teether has a variety of textures that are meant to soothe a baby’s sore gums.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
29 Mar. 2025
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Khris Middleton, who, along with Smart, came to the Wizards at the NBA trade deadline, sat out the second half because of what team officials said was a sore right knee.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Sisterhood in sports can come with awkward moments, though.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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In fact, the timing of the 11th annual event in Santa Monica made for some awkward — even, some would say, problematic — optics and messaging for these celebrities.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike clumsier species that struggle with obstacles, the black mamba leverages every surface with surgical precision, effectively turning the landscape into a series of launchpads.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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There’s also a touching subplot for the clumsy, muted Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman), who’s regularly the butt of the other dwarfs’ jokes.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, Trump has described his policies as a painful yet necessary step to encourage companies to relocate their operations to the United States.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2025
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The overstressed tissue, either along your arch or right next to your heel, can then sustain tiny tears and become irritated, inflamed, and painful.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As horrible, unpleasant, miserable this work was, people had the most wonderful spirit.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
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Euphemisms are designed to obfuscate unpleasant truths.—
Zachariah Mampilly,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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