ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
In their own way, conservationists have been struggling with an uncomfortable question: Can every species really be saved?
—
Lois Parshley, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
And there's a -- there's a fracturing too in the American public where a lot of voters are uncomfortable with the party and its sort of move left economically as well.
—ABC News, 24 Aug. 2025
That’s going to take some getting used to, and people may be uncomfortable about that.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
Removing 55 books the governor’s political party is uncomfortable with is not ethical or legal.
—Robert Kesten, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Lois Parshley, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025
And there's a -- there's a fracturing too in the American public where a lot of voters are uncomfortable with the party and its sort of move left economically as well.
—ABC News, 24 Aug. 2025
That’s going to take some getting used to, and people may be uncomfortable about that.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
Removing 55 books the governor’s political party is uncomfortable with is not ethical or legal.
—Robert Kesten, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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But the harsh fact is that letting a tree stump fester in the ground can cause myriad problems, according to the arborist sources AD asked.—
Steven John,
Architectural Digest,
27 Aug. 2025
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Counties and municipalities can impose harsher restrictions as well.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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If so, we might be spared the Trump administration’s embarrassing mysticism about the Fed and its ability to grow the economy with central bank interventions.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Where most people would rather skirt past their most embarrassing moments and take all their biggest faux pas to the grave, Joe Jonas puts it all out there.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike taking space to cool down, which is a much healthier strategy, the silent treatment is used specifically to make the other partner feel uneasy.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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The pair form an uneasy and sometimes humorous alliance while uncovering a drug ring revolving around a dangerous alien narcotic.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Beyond that, the Trent Frederic deal doesn’t inspire confidence and the team’s continuing goaltending issues are also a sore spot.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
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Sanchez could potentially provide additional depth at catcher if Carlos Narvaez winds up missing extended time with his sore right knee.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But, sadly, this can be hard to repair once too far gone; naming the dynamic out loud can be daunting and awkward.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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India wants all three guests to remain seated, however awkward the conversation may be.—
Spriha Srivastava,
CNBC,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This is a huge bonus for a clumsy gal like myself, who often trips over air.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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The scale of the problem became terrifyingly clear during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the Japanese government struggled to respond to a nationwide crisis with clumsy digital tools.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There was also a subplot about Derek going through a painful divorce.—
Rob Reiner,
New Yorker,
27 Aug. 2025
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The advisory underscored that high temperatures could trigger a spectrum of medical problems—from painful muscle cramps to life-threatening heat stroke—especially among sensitive groups.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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A couple who had moved into a new apartment a couple of hours earlier got an unpleasant surprise after returning from a celebratory dinner.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
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There are many financial benefits to property ownership, but that also means bills, repairs, maintenance and a number of other unpleasant surprises.—
Steve Jahnke,
Kansas City Star,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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