The term 'stilted' is used to describe a type of speech or writing that is overly formal and UNNATURAL. This can be seen in the crossword solutions, such as 'STUFFY' (6 letters), which means having an overly formal atmosphere; 'POMPOUS' (7 letters), which means having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; 'RHETORICAL' (10 letters), which means using language for the purpose of persuasion; 'PONDEROUS' (9 letters), which means having a heavy and awkward quality; 'PEDANTIC' (8 letters), which means being overly concerned with details; 'STIFF' (5 letters), which means having an UNNATURAL formality; 'ARTIFICIAL' (10 letters), which means not natural or genuine; 'UNNATURAL' (9 letters), which means not in accordance with the usual course of things; 'GENTEEL' (7 letters), which means having a refined manner; 'AFFECTED' (8 letters), which means behaving in an ARTIFICIAL way; 'MANNERED' (8 letters), which means having a particular style of behavior; 'PRETENTIOUS' (11 letters), which means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed; and 'BOMBASTIC' (9 letters), which means using high-sounding language with little meaning. All of these words are used to describe a stilted style of speech or writing.