Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discomfit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discomfit are abash, disconcert, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When is abash a more appropriate choice than discomfit?

In some situations, the words abash and discomfit are roughly equivalent. However, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When could disconcert be used to replace discomfit?

The synonyms disconcert and discomfit are sometimes interchangeable, but disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When can embarrass be used instead of discomfit?

The words embarrass and discomfit can be used in similar contexts, but embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

In what contexts can rattle take the place of discomfit?

While in some cases nearly identical to discomfit, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of discomfit The enfolding tensions of late capitalism are shaped into a coherent yet discomfiting whole. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 But there are discomfiting signs that HTS is already abandoning an inclusive mentality and intends to consolidate single-party Islamist rule. Fawaz A. Gerges, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025 But there are discomfiting signs that HTS is already abandoning an inclusive mentality and intends to consolidate single-party Islamist rule. Fawaz A. Gerges, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025 But overjoyed liberals seem to again have a discomfiting ally in Trump, who released a curious post-collapse statement that appeared to heap ridicule on Putin. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for discomfit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfit
Verb
  • Williams often got frustrated with him and told him to be quiet.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Body camera footage released after the demonstration showed police disagreed about the tactics and people were immediately frustrated with the response.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.
    Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • But Bird also throws a devastating slider to right-handers and a curveball that can baffle.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • The topic, added late to the ACIP agenda and without much detail, has baffled some vaccine experts.
    Liz Neporent, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Hence, Nicole left the party, despondent at having been rejected and confused at the cold reception.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • What should be disconcerting for the Giants and Padres — as well as the New York Yankees and Mets, and any other aspiring contender — is that the Dodgers have managed to distance themselves from the competition without looking particularly imposing.
    Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
  • The movie opens with a screening of his black-and-white movie, which disconcerts Tom because of its echoes of his own youth in this community.
    Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Siegemund, 37, plays an unorthodox style of tennis that can leave opponents flustered.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discomfit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discomfit. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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