as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in confusing
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
the modest young soldiers were embarrassed by the public praise for their heroism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impeding
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
a lot of this paperwork is unnecessary and just embarrasses the organization
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in complicating
to make complex or difficult
claims that the new government regulations will needlessly embarrass the operations of small businesses in the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of embarrassing
Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
And all hopes were jeopardized during an embarrassing trip to Michigan, where Cronin and the Bruins unraveled.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Recently, Ryan spoke about the Beckham situation, the process of writing material as a mother without embarrassing her kids and her new goal of returning to the career trajectory of her pre-pregnant self in the near future.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
And nothing was more embarrassing to The Boss than getting beaten by the city’s lesser baseball tenant.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
And all hopes were jeopardized during an embarrassing trip to Michigan, where Cronin and the Bruins unraveled.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
An unwritten rule of the NBA, it is generally viewed as a sign of respect to run out the clock rather than risk embarrassing an opponent.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Recently, Ryan spoke about the Beckham situation, the process of writing material as a mother without embarrassing her kids and her new goal of returning to the career trajectory of her pre-pregnant self in the near future.
—Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
-
Pride should come from your willingness to improve, not from resisting uncomfortable truths.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Dry air can be harmful and uncomfortable, but the LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier can address that in any room of your home.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This device is a high-tech centrifuge that simulates microgravity by spinning vials with samples around two axes, effectively confusing the cells inside as to their position in space.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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During the Second World War, the Allies put a special effort into confusing the Axis powers.—
David Szondy
March 25,
New Atlas,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Looking at downtown as a whole, the new building owners aren’t naive to obstacles impeding a recovery, with the Campus at Horton and Research and Development District (RaDD) properties viewed as the biggest drag on the market.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Our soft sides could be impeding what must be done today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Further complicating the dynamics is Wilson’s prior romance with co-star Ciara Miller, Batula’s close friend.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
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As many as 20,000 Iranian civilians live on Kharg in ordinary times, complicating invasion planning.—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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So Pakistan is already in an awkward position because the Saudis are being attacked.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Lock down the logistics first The fastest way to kill trip momentum is skipping the awkward conversations.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The graduation ceremony and the reception afterward are cute and heartwarming for the grown-ups, bittersweet and mortifying for the kids, who skive off to smoke some of Ed’s high-test weed and have a little Texas Forever moment, toasting their enduring friendships.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
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Classmates saw the sign while riding by Goepper’s home on the school bus, mortifying the teenage Goepper.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The council chambers have only one entrance, hampering security and accessibility needs, and the council desk itself is not ADA-compliant.—
Elliot Mann,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
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Some lawmakers think the staff reductions are hampering farmers’ ability to access programs.—
Patricia Kime,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That none of this has ever been clear to Gisèle is perplexing even to her.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
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While initially perplexing to the Messers and other anglers, some now believe this was part of Phillips’ long con.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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