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awkward situation

NOUN
embarrassment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chagrin confusion difficulty dilemma mess mistake unease
STRONG
awkwardness bashfulness bind clumsiness complexity destitution discomfiture discomposure disconcertion distress fix hitch indebtedness indiscretion inhibition mortification pickle pinch plight poverty predicament puzzle quandary scrape self-consciousness shyness snag stew strait tangle timidity uneasiness
WEAK
boo-boo egg on face faux pas hot seat hot water impecuniosity
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm order organization pleasure solution
STRONG
advantage benefit blessing boldness boon convenience ease good fortune happiness peace
WEAK
comfort confidence
NOUN
scrape
Synonyms
STRONG
corner difficulty dilemma discomfiture distress embarrassment fix hole jam mess pickle plight predicament trouble
WEAK
tight spot
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage benefit blessing boon comfort contentment good fortune miracle pleasure

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.

All of this leaves the club in a somewhat awkward situation: could they really let O'Neill leave if he feels he still has the energy and the desire to continue?

From BBC • May 23, 2026

This year’s race at Ferrari’s home in Monza could present an awkward situation for Italian F1 devotees: Ferrari or Kimi?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

The dispute between the government and Anthropic has put Palantir in an awkward situation.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

According to Pruitt, Omarosa attacked several of their teammates in support of her "brother" Jackson, and Kepcher observed that the latter handled the awkward situation with "grace."

From Salon • May 30, 2024

Each step groaned and creaked under his weight; he might’ve stopped for fear of falling through the old wood if he weren’t leaving such an awkward situation below.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

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