ˌən-ˈkəm(p)(f)-tər-bəl
1
as in harsh
causing discomfort
unfortunately, dressing up for the dance meant wearing an uncomfortable shirt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the uncomfortable situation of running into an ex-friend at a social gathering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneasy
lacking social grace and assurance
a person who is uncomfortable at parties with lots of strangers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncomfortable
Meanwhile, the image of Epstein being projected onto Windsor Castle is also uncomfortable for King Charles’ younger brother, Prince Andrew, who backed away from royal life after his connection with Epstein was scrutinized.
—
Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
These might be uncomfortable or awkward conversations, but having them ahead of time ensures that your child feels equipped and more comfortable asking for help if a harmful online interaction occurs.
—Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
However, the following games can begin to reveal enlightening – or uncomfortable – truths.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Melonee Hurt has more with the band and their quest to 'get uncomfortable' going in a new direction on their latest material.
—Amber Roberson, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
These might be uncomfortable or awkward conversations, but having them ahead of time ensures that your child feels equipped and more comfortable asking for help if a harmful online interaction occurs.
—Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
However, the following games can begin to reveal enlightening – or uncomfortable – truths.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Melonee Hurt has more with the band and their quest to 'get uncomfortable' going in a new direction on their latest material.
—Amber Roberson, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncomfortable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncomfortable
Adjective
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Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
-
But the rules of the Long Walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Other newborns were given away by their grandparents who conspired with doctors, priests and nuns to hide a daughter’s socially embarrassing pregnancy.—
Rafael Romo,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
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Fear of failure Failure can be disheartening, embarrassing and often downright devastating — especially in entrepreneurship, when your reputation and finances could be on the line.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Stewart admitted the thought left him uneasy.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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This stirs an uneasy thought in the astrobiologist’s mind.—
Dirk Schulze-Makuch,
Big Think,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Neil’s with the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Sixx’s with the Los Angeles Times — also have their subjects addressing the band’s split with former guitarist Mick Mars in 2022 and the sore feelings and lawsuits that have come out of that.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
14 Sep. 2025
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The Angels were also without shortstop Zach Neto because of a sore left wrist and outfielder Jo Adell because of vertigo.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While there is little doubt about the outcome of the Fed meeting, there are still questions over who exactly will be voting—setting up some very awkward dynamics.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
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This leaves the broader discourse around Kirk’s assassination in an awkward position, deprived of the certainty that so many crave.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The rubber sole is also important for clumsy gals like myself.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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Camels seem slow, hippos clumsy, phoenixes unstable, lions lazy.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, the more painful the cry sounded, the warmer the listener's face became—and the effect was the same for both men and women.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Queen could have surgery to remove bunions, but has been warned against it as the surgery is too painful.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Just the prospect of interacting with that person can be unpleasant or feel draining.—
Josh Davis,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
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One unpleasant but necessary aspect of board service is disciplinary action against unneighborly behavior by members.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncomfortable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncomfortable. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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