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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in embarrassing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in annoying

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cumbersome

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsteady

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unhandy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This new iteration worked better, though, partly by abandoning the painful premise that Kel Squad is awkward at singing and choreo. —

Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024 Dry Fire and Review Shot Placement in the Stand Pulling triggers on a roomy bench at the range is already awkward for a new hunter; trying to do that while juggling gear and bulky layers in a blind or tree stand compounds it. —

Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024 Musk’s business ties with China have given rise to other awkward situations. —

Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Jennings read the clue with a slightly awkward tone, then immediately apologized to Heather after it was answered. —

Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for awkward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for awkward

Adjective

Swimmer’s ear can be pretty uncomfortable: your ear canal fills up with a sticky discharge and may become smelly and painful, explains Hildrew.

Julia Ries, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Ashley Johnson, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, told people not to hesitate to report uncomfortable encounters with officers.

Austin Mullen, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024