Synonyms for
Awkwardly
Definition
in an uncomfortable or clumsy manner
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- moved awkwardly
- sat awkwardly
- spoke awkwardly
- paused awkwardly
- shifted awkwardly
- laughed awkwardly
- handled awkwardly
Word family
Usage note
This adverb describes actions performed without grace or ease, often causing discomfort or embarrassment. It is generally neutral in connotation but can imply social ineptitude.
Example sentences
- She spoke awkwardly, stumbling over her words.
- He walked awkwardly with his broken leg.
- The new student felt awkwardly out of place in the classroom.
- She attempted to balance the books awkwardly in her arms.
- The magician awkwardly dropped the deck of cards.
Quotes
'I can't dance,' said Frodo, 'I can't dance, sir.'... 'Go on!' said Merry. 'I can't!' gasped Frodo, blushing awkwardly.
'Attention is the most basic form of love,' writes John Tarrant. 'Through it we bless and are blessed.' Yet how easily we forget this. Attention is prayer: 'Lord, I give you my attention.' It is love: 'Sweetheart, I give you my attention.' It is enlightenment: 'Buddha, I give you my attention.' It is the essence of taking responsibility: 'I will give my attention to the things I can change.' And it is the core of justice: 'I will give my attention to those who are ignored and forgotten.' Without attention, we are at the mercy of the swirling forces of the world--illusions, cravings, and fears--which can wreak havoc on our lives. The good news is that attention is natural and trainable. We can all learn to pay attention more fully and more kindly. It just takes practice. Awkwardly, joyfully, one moment at a time.
I saw him awkwardly leaning against the wall, trying to look casual. He caught my eye and smiled a small, shy smile.