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awkward Synonyms

Another word for awkward

Choosing another word for awkward depends on context, so the 37 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Causing or feeling social discomfort, embarrassment, or self-consciousness.

Usage Example

"There was an uncomfortable silence in the room after he forgot the guest of honor's name."

Strongest
uncomfortable
embarrassing
self-conscious
Strong
uneasy
cringeworthy
ill at ease
tense
delicate
sticky

• adjective (Context 2)

Lacking physical grace, skill, or coordination in movement or posture; clumsy.

Usage Example

"The newborn foal took a few clumsy steps across the barn floor before finding its balance."

Strongest
clumsy
ungainly
uncoordinated
gawky
graceless
Strong
maladroit
inept
lumbering
bumbling
stiff

• adjective (Context 3)

Difficult to handle, use, or deal with efficiently due to shape, design, or timing; inconvenient.

Usage Example

"The sofa was too heavy and at an inconvenient angle to fit through the narrow stairwell."

Strongest
inconvenient
unwieldy
cumbersome
Strong
difficult
tricky
unmanageable
inopportune
untimely
troublesome

• adjective (Context 4)

Intentionally uncooperative, stubborn, or difficult to deal with.

Usage Example

"The clerk was being deliberately uncooperative about processing our refund despite the valid receipt."

Strongest
uncooperative
difficult
obstructive
Strong
stubborn
contrary
perverse
bloody-minded
unhelpful
recalcitrant
cantankerous

Opposites of awkward

The opposite of awkward shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

graceful
convenient
cooperative
comfortable
relaxed
accommodating
agile
at ease
See all opposites of awkward

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Awkward. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/awkward
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