stilted

1 of 2

adjective

stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
Synonyms of stilted
1
a
: pompous, lofty
a speech full of stilted language
b
: formal, stiff
a stilted letter of acknowledgement
2
: having the curve beginning at some distance above the impost
a stilted arch
stiltedly adverb
stiltedness noun

stilted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of stilt entry 2

Synonyms of stilted

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Adjective

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Examples of stilted in a Sentence

Adjective the conversation was somewhat stilted as we didn't seem to share any interests a stilted letter of apology that was written and accepted with equal measures of insincerity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stilted was in 1820

Rhymes for stilted

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Browse Nearby Words

stilt bug
stilted
stiltedness
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Cite this Entry

“Stilted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stilted. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stilted

adjective
stilt·​ed ˈstil-təd How to pronounce stilted (audio)
: not easy and natural
stilted speech
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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