EMBARRASS Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

embarrass

verb

im-ˈber-əs

Definition of embarrass

as in to confuse

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impede

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

as in to complicate

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

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 Oddly, some on social media are acting like Nevada’s entire goal was to embarrass others during his weekend game. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 The actor may not always be playing Bond, but will forever be a Bond, and therefore must be counted upon to not embarrass the franchise. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026 The most an average comedian or host can hope for is not to embarrass themselves trying, which is largely how Kareem Rahma fared in a recent episode of his popular social-media series, SubwayTakes. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 Chicago embarrassed Philadelphia, while the Eagles squandered a late lead against the Rams before suffering an improbable loss to the Jaguars in London. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass

Verb

Nearly all of the 70,000-plus fans in attendance — even the half of the stadium that was wearing Denver Broncos orange — were confused.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026
Neither party should confuse a vote with a lifetime commitment.

— Jose M. Muñoz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

The restrictions prohibit parking on streets in very high fire-hazard severity zones and require residents to keep roadways clear of obstacles that could impede fire apparatus or people evacuating during a fire.

— City News Service, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Ukraine accused Washington of delaying the delivery of vital interceptor missiles and reported that a temporary disruption to the Starlink and Starshield satellite internet service impeded its ability to defend against Russian attacks.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

DeSantis' 2024 campaign was marred by political infighting that drew national attention and was complicated by overspending despite receiving immense donor support.

— Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
There wasn’t too much time to dwell on that, as the mission was complicated by the news of a prison break.

— Megan Vick, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of complicate

Verb

The search-and-rescue effort will be hindered by worsening weather conditions, but Mamdani and Bonsignore both assured that operations will continue.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026
Though it’s been received positively by many, some groups argue that the ordinance doesn’t fix major gaps that hinder street vendors.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of hinder

Verb

Hurley and the Huskies’ bench, perplexed when the Huskies were called for their 13th foul when Michigan only had six, earned their first techinical of the season after assistant Mike Nardi threw his scouting papers on the floor.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of perplex

Verb

In fact, the movie doesn’t even bother revealing Fang’s ultimate fate; but then again, he’s been fully vindicated in the court of public opinion, so who cares?

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Nothing shows the world that the outside noise doesn’t bother you quite like preparing a statement ahead of time about how much the outside noise doesn’t bother you.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

Simmons, hampered by a leg injury after a QB draw in the fourth quarter, threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-43 accuracy.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
Colonialism herded these Indigenous communities directly in the path of the bears’ ancient migration, and now hunting regulations hamper their ability to manage the population.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of hamper

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“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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