CLUNKY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

clunky

adjective

ˈkləŋ-kē

Definition of clunky

as in clumsy

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design even my five-year-old laptop seems clunky next to some of the really slim new models

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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 clunky While the world’s grand dining rooms served Champagne and Bordeaux in elegant crystal stemware, corner bistros and local trattorias poured even their best wines into clunky glass goblets. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Of course, there are still plenty of clunky eyesores out there. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 The keyboard case was a little clunky to get on and off, though. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 Even the offense, with another Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, looked clunky and out of sync. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky

Adjective

Here, his clumsy, winky, affected, and self-undercutting direction can’t even work the charming Jenna Ortega to a great performance, as her Klara is flattened into a bundle of manic pixie mannerisms both physical and verbal.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026
Some Latinas are nerds, and some Latinas are quirky, and some of them are goofy and some of them are clumsy.

— Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

The Basketmaker—whose skills go far beyond furniture making—weaves her a match, Fiddler on the Roof-like, and the Fisherwoman, after an awkward matrimonial moment, takes Wicker Husband home to her funky little cottage.

— Valerie Monroe, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026
The pushback is awkward for a government that went out of its way to land the project.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Enter the fast-growing world of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known by the somewhat cumbersome acronym of eVTOLs.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Less cumbersome portable hifi listening Accessibility Innovations improving life for the elderly and people with disabilities.

— Time, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

The exec was brought in to rein in filmmaker spending and streamline Netflix’s notoriously unwieldy film operation.

— Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
The low-profile design is not nearly as unwieldy as a traditional ruck, so women on-the-go can build muscle while running errands.

— Eliza Thompson, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Browse Nearby Words

clunks

clunky

cluster

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“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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