as in embarrassing
causing embarrassment
the discomfiting scrutiny of an audience of music critics
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in frustrating
to prevent from achieving a goal
constant interruptions discomfited her in her attempt to finish the speech, and she finally gave up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confusing
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
he was discomfited by the awkward situation of having his ex-girlfriend meet his current one
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of discomfiting
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
These narrative episodes are well-cast and discomfiting, if not entirely convincing.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
He was murdered one day after the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression released a discomfiting survey showing that one-third of university students believe violence is an appropriate response to speech.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
These narrative episodes are well-cast and discomfiting, if not entirely convincing.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
The material can be discomfiting to take in, but Ronan anchors Maria’s every move in the character’s stubborn belief that her actions are well intentioned.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfiting
Adjective
-
That embarrassing exit from the World Series lingered for months.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
However, after two straight losses, including an embarrassing 69-3 loss to Oregon in Week 2 and a 19-12 loss in Week 4, the program has decided to shake things up.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At one point at the state banquet, the president was seen confusing Camilla and Kate.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement The recent announcement only compounds the harm, confusing parents and diverting attention and resources from questions that could actually bring answers.—
Dr. Craig Spencer,
Time,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Anat Joseph agreed, noting that gestures like sending scented clothing blur platonic boundaries and can understandably make a partner uncomfortable.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
However, forecasters note that the relative humidity at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar will be an uncomfortable 85 percent Saturday and 82 percent Sunday.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In May, Kennedy vowed to find what caused autism by September, baffling scientists who near-unanimously believe there is no one cause of the condition.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
-
This is stuttering, crashing and other issues, even on high-end hardware way above recommended specs, which is baffling some.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The code, though, is currently often replete with disconcerting troubles.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
This detail, at once tragic and comic, painfully human and stupidly bureaucratic, captures something essential about Schattenfroh, an extremely dark novel about the horrors of modern European history laced with the delirious, disconcerting humor of a Hieronymus Bosch painting.—
Book Marks
September 11,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is an awkward medley of ideas and references.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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The story struck a chord with other Redditors, many of whom shared their own awkward travel mishaps.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Adrien Broner has had yet another unpleasant moment surface online.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
24 Sep. 2025
-
My skin usually amps up oud notes in the most unpleasant way, but this formulation just works.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Her black-and-white paintings mixed cartoon characters with psychological complexities resulting in sometimes-disturbing interpretations of pop icons.—
Jane Wooldridge,
Miami Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Ask them to retell their experience watching it The best thing to do when a child sees something disturbing is to talk about it.—
Robyn Koslowitz,
Parents,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Discomfiting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discomfiting. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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