STILTED Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

stilted

adjective

ˈstil-təd

Definition of stilted

as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details a stilted letter of apology that was written and accepted with equal measures of insincerity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stilted Staffers are unfailingly warm and helpful, while never seeming stiff or stilted. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026 Tensions between Rian and Patrick flare when Rian drunkenly mentions a brief fling with Shiv, though the film’s clunky edit, which gives little room for the performances to breathe and play out organically within their contexts, makes these frictions feel stilted and juvenile. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026 Don’t Worry Darling, by contrast, felt too stilted and controlled, too programmed and predictable, almost as if the director felt obligated to rein in her stylistic impulses against a supposedly more complicated story. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stilted

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stilted

Adjective

The quarterback Mike Macdonald has earned his paychecks from making quarterbacks uncomfortable.

— Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Probably not enough to win, but enough to make laying nearly a touchdown uncomfortable.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncomfortable

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

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

And if at times the movie comes off as a bit decorous and stiff, the actors, particularly Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles, do their best to keep the proceedings whirring.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.

— Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of decorous

Adjective

Giving team members insight into what is known, what remains unchanged and what may come next can help people navigate uneasy periods of uncertainty with greater confidence.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Experts say Chinese officials likely felt uneasy about that opening.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of uneasy

Adjective

It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.

— Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of ceremonious

Browse Nearby Words

stilt

stilted

stilts

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Style

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

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Synonyms of stilted

adjective

Example Sentences

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