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Definition of stilted

stilted

/ˈstɪl.tɪd/
stil · ted
Adverb:stiltedly
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stilted Lexical Profile

stilted Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Stiff, unnatural, and overly formal in manner, speech, or writing, lacking spontaneity and ease.

Example

"The dialogue in the play felt stilted and failed to capture how people actually speak in everyday life."

2

Raised or supported above the ground or water on stilts or high pillars.

Example

"Along the tropical coastline, families lived in traditional stilted houses built to withstand seasonal flooding."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for stilted

• Nearby Words

stillborn
stillness
stilt
stilted
stiltedness
stim
stimming

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the noun 'stilt' (from Middle English 'stilte', of Germanic origin), the figurative sense of stiff or artificially elevated speech and behavior arose in the early 19th century by analogy with the awkward, rigid gait of someone walking on stilts.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stilted. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stilted
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