CLUNKY Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

clunky

adjective

ˈkləŋ-kē

Definition of clunky

as in clumsy

difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design even my five-year-old laptop seems clunky next to some of the really slim new models

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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 clunky This means that a student who uses Claude to rework a few clunky sentences in their prose is likely to raise the same detection flags as one who used the bot to write their entire essay from scratch. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Forget a clunky resin deck box—this charming wood bench looks right at home on a porch while offering hidden storage. — Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026 Shoes are way too clunky and be-socked feet on a bus are just asking to encounter a plug that’s strayed from a bunk while going round a corner. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 There are clunky moments where characters speak in thesis statements, and the larger stakes can get lost amid the individual dynamics. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunky

Adjective

Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Vocals are surprisingly good, despite the show being a bit awkward and clumsy at times.

— Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of clumsy

Adjective

The Moon in Pisces moves through your 6th House of Work, Health, and Daily Routines while making an awkward angle to Venus in Libra and your 1st House of Self.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Most of us have felt awkward during those first tentative steps back into dating.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of awkward

Adjective

Another important implication is that once a country is removed from the State Department list, getting it back on is bureaucratically cumbersome.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Fall decor that is too cluttered, sharp, or cumbersome is often to blame.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cumbersome

Adjective

Having one starting pitcher repeat an unwieldy path from a season ago is one thing.

— Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
The shares are down more than 55% this year, and the global auto giant faces mounting pressure for radical action to counter Chinese competition, repair the damage from costly electric-vehicle missteps and prune an unwieldy stable of brands.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of unwieldy

Browse Nearby Words

clunks

clunky

cluster

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“Clunky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunky. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clunky

adjective

Example Sentences

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