1
as in uncomfortable
lacking social grace and assurance
the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests
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2
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stilted
Floating above the treetops on a stilted concrete walkway, with rooms situated inside a series of glass cylinders, the futuristic-looking hotel will reimagine high-end hospitality through the same lens of experimental design as the residences.
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Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025
Donovan’s Meyers is fascinating in his stilted weirdness, a bit of a dandy and a bit of a dork.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, on the banks, cooking classes sizzle with lemongrass and tamarind—as water buffalo graze lazily beside stilted homes.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The stilted writing and direction, sadly, leave a lot to be desired: Emotions are under-explored and the humor misfires, with a perfectly capable cast asked to deliver some truly clunky lines.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stilted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stilted
Adjective
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Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy.—
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Rather than telegraphing trouble in paradise, the move could simply be a styling choice—or a response to high temperatures, which cause one’s hands to swell and can make wearing a ring uncomfortable.—
Adjective
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Investigators turned their case over to the Ventura County and LA County District Attorney's Offices for formal charges.—
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Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.—
Adjective
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The rise of digital payment systems has made tipping both easier and more awkward, especially when prompts appear at counters, kiosks and drive-thru windows.—
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Use this a couple of times a week for smoother, brighter skin (without getting sunburnt and sand in awkward places).—
Adjective
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The suede upper is also a nice departure from classic leather on other styles.—
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Monogramming linens and towels is always a nice touch.—
Adjective
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But in that moment, my 40 years of skiing experience evaporated, and the bulletproof snow and thick crowds transformed me into an anxious and clumsy mess.—
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Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.—
Adjective
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Let it be said, though, that ruling this fairyland—where sweets jump through hoops, perky as peppermint, or swirl around, rich as Spanish chocolate—requires not just a decorous carriage and a cordial disposition but true ballerina grit.—
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The affair grows less decorous in farcical scenes of upstairs and downstairs life — kitchen staff toiling away on blunts, a trigger-happy shooting party, and cockney pub patrons breaking out in song — and the various side plots.—
Adjective
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Neighbors fear rising violence Residents said the shooting has left them uneasy.—
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But by evening, an uneasy calm had settled across the city.—
Adjective
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More convincing in the film is cinematographer Talant Akynbekov’s observant, almost ceremonious lensing of carpet weaving, as well as of the beats of everyday life, sometimes accompanied by the traditional tunes villagers hum.—
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The band’s official end was even less ceremonious.—
Cite this Entry
“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stilted. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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