cumbersome

adjective

ˈkəm-bər-səm How to pronounce cumbersome (audio)
Definition of cumbersomenext
as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design a long-handled wrench that is too cumbersome for tight spots, such as under the sink

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective cumbersome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cumbersome are cumbrous, heavy, ponderous, and weighty. While all these words mean "having great weight," cumbrous and cumbersome imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating.

wrestled with the cumbrous furniture
early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient

Where would heavy be a reasonable alternative to cumbersome?

While in some cases nearly identical to cumbersome, heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

When can ponderous be used instead of cumbersome?

The words ponderous and cumbersome can be used in similar contexts, but ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

When might weighty be a better fit than cumbersome?

In some situations, the words weighty and cumbersome are roughly equivalent. However, weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

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 cumbersome The eight-speed automatic behaves naturally around town, and the AWD system adds confidence without making the Tucson feel heavy or cumbersome. — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 As part of its readiness efforts, the United States must fix the federal clinical trials process, which is far too slow and cumbersome to effectively address a biological crisis. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Wrangler Another piece on our wish list is a new take on an old classic, the Pieced Chaps Flare Jean, which offer the look of traditional chaps without the cumbersome weight of layered leather and denim. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Yet those isolated cases were the result of years of cumbersome diplomacy and legislation. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumbersome
  1. clumsy
  2. awkward
  3. unwieldy
  4. 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Failing to do so can make for a clunky, inefficient shift and wear down components over time.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The boyfriend, a British DJ named James Kennedy, who had been playing a clunky set in the background, weaves over to the women, sweaty and frazzled.
    — Sylvia Varnham O’Regan, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of clunky

Browse Nearby Words

cumbers
cumbersome
cumbersomeness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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