Awkward
Awkward adjective - Lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance.
Usage example: an awkward dancer
Strained is a synonym for awkward in unnatural topic. In some cases you can use "Strained" instead an adjective "Awkward", when it comes to topics like embarrassed.
Nearby Words: awkwardness, awkwardly
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
- She has no friends outside of the Zodiac, and those relationships are awkward and strained.
Source: Ambiguous Disorder - This is so strained and awkward that one can't help but think he would be better off waiting until the evil cyborg about to kill him was disposed of...
Source: Shirtless Scene / Film -
Also, when Jack appears, John gives him a somewhat awkward hug, hinting at their strained relationship.
Source: Video Game / Red Dead Redemption
Cite this Source
Strained and Awkward. (2016). Retrieved 2025, February 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/strained
Awkward & Strained. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2025. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/strained>.
Strained or Awkward. 2016. Accessed February 16, 2025. https://thesaurus.plus/related/awkward/strained.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "awkward" and "strained" have occurred on timeline