stilted
Americanadjective
-
stiffly dignified or formal, as speech or literary style; pompous.
- Synonyms:
- constrained, stuffy, mannered, wooden
-
Architecture. (of an arch) resting on imposts treated in part as downward continuations of the arch.
adjective
-
(of speech, writing, etc) formal, pompous, or bombastic
-
not flowing continuously or naturally
stilted conversation
-
architect (of an arch) having vertical piers between the impost and the springing
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stilted
Explanation
The adjective stilted describes something—usually a style of writing or speaking—that is unnaturally formal. Imagine someone walking awkwardly on a pair of stilts and you have a good impression of the word stilted — wooden and stiff. Stilt is found in the mid-15th century, referring to walking on wooden stilts across marshy ground. A hundred years later, the word stilted came to refer to the posts holding up a building. It wasn't until 1820 that the word was used as we use it now, to describe writing or speaking that does not flow smoothly.
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Independent's three-star review, external described the reboot as "all rather safe" and said the presenters feel "stilted".
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
Throughout the film, the question of what gives art its value appears in several forms, challenged by Lori and Julian when their initially stilted working relationship transforms into something more intimate.
From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026
There’s a stilted quality to the conversation as they discuss their eccentric, inscrutable dad.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025
Never-campers might opt for Sediba Sa Rona, which opens the same month with stilted suites overlooking the Khwai River.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 20, 2025
My teacher said I had a knack for writing but that my language was oddly formal and stilted.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
