embarrass

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb embarrass contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of embarrass are abash, discomfit, disconcert, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

When might abash be a better fit than embarrass?

The synonyms abash and embarrass are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can discomfit take the place of embarrass?

The meanings of discomfit and embarrass largely overlap; however, discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When would disconcert be a good substitute for embarrass?

While in some cases nearly identical to embarrass, disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

Where would rattle be a reasonable alternative to embarrass?

The words rattle and embarrass can be used in similar contexts, but 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Recent Examples of embarrass More recently, that type of direction has become outdated — in a way, even embarrassing to request. Blake Simons, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2025 The Revolution provided a brief scare through a 59th-minute goal from Dor Turgeman, who embarrassed a defender before curling home a spectacular effort, but Inter Miami broke the tie almost immediately after the strike that made the score 2-1. Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025 The minor student created memes and posted them on the Instagram account to embarrass and make fun of the students. Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025 That wasn't Carey's first time embarrassing her children. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass
Verb
  • But too often, this instinct to chase conflict distorts reality and confuses the public.
    Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This view confuses structure with behavior.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents that can impede melting, our Test Kitchen recommends grating your own cheese from a block or wedge.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Martinez was charged in federal court with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sparked by a budget impasse, the shutdown’s ripple effects are now reaching state-level programs, with funding delays and legal constraints complicating the picture.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Growing up, Preston and Jayden often accompanied their mom on tour and visited during her Las Vegas residency, but Federline and Spears' co-parenting relationship has often been complicated.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nor is he flustered when the offense stalls.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Listed at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Trigg is on a hot streak with 60-plus yards in three straight games, including 155 yards against a Kansas State defense that flustered TCU on Saturday in Manhattan.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Food crumbs and debris can hinder gas flow or cause uneven burning.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Can what’s hindering the Chargers’ defense be fixed in only a matter of days?
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.
    Sam Dalling, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Such hard coaching would bother some players.
    Jay King, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … HIT THE ROAD – Duffy responds to trucker who 'couldn't be bothered' to learn English in America.
    , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • With injuries and inconsistency hampering the wide receiver corps, the Commanders are set to host former Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Treylon Burks.
    Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on embarrass

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