as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design a long-handled wrench that is too cumbersome for tight spots, such as under the sink

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective cumbersome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cumbersome are cumbrous, heavy, ponderous, and weighty. While all these words mean "having great weight," cumbrous and cumbersome imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating.

wrestled with the cumbrous furniture
early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient

Where would heavy be a reasonable alternative to cumbersome?

While in some cases nearly identical to cumbersome, heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

When can ponderous be used instead of cumbersome?

The words ponderous and cumbersome can be used in similar contexts, but ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

When might weighty be a better fit than cumbersome?

In some situations, the words weighty and cumbersome are roughly equivalent. However, weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

Example 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 cumbersome Taara was borne from a vision to provide internet access to underserved remote communities without the need to route cumbersome fiber-optic connections through to them. New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025 These methods work for a coin or two, but would be cumbersome for large deals. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 But now many have become reliant on the practice, especially in rural areas where getting to a medical facility can take longer and be more cumbersome for seniors. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Managing WordPress can be cumbersome for growing businesses. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumbersome
Adjective
  • Kisses her mouth, but the gesture is awkward, clumsy; their teeth strike together, and Brianna winces.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • As well as making a star of Alicia Silverstone, the original movie showcased the talents of Paul Rudd who played her stepbrother Josh (and went onto become Phoebe’s partner in Friends and take on the role of Ant Man) and the late Brittany Murphy, who played Cher’s clumsy friend Tai.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Historically an awkward public speaker, Johnson nevertheless saw the invitation as an opportunity to promote his plan for a voting rights bill.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The latest breakthrough attempts have been met with ridicule as Republicans blast Democrats for awkward social media posts and videos.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Yankees injury list is reaching unwieldy levels.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The result is a system that makes traditional notions of childhood – with its unwieldy dependencies, its inefficient play and its demands for attention and care – increasingly untenable.
    Anna Mae Duane, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many people won’t like the combat, and a couple of the boss fights are a little clunky.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Precise and clunky and exactly what the movie is at the same time.
    Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cumbersome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumbersome. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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