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
- stiltedly adverb
- stiltedness noun
- unstilted adjective
Etymology
Origin of stilted
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.
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
He heads for his dressing room, where his parents are waiting for him, and then there’s a stilted and awkward scene with his father.
From Salon • Oct. 28, 2025
Discussion of the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics was mostly delivered with stilted hamminess from both, with Martin occasionally shoehorning in jokes that Meier did not pick up on.
From Slate • Sep. 22, 2025
My teacher said I had a knack for writing but that my language was oddly formal and stilted.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
Definitions 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.
