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

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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 For example, a relative’s benign remark about the texture of a turkey dinner at a family gathering might be interpreted by someone with schizophrenia as a statement meant to embarrass them. — Matthew Kurtz, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 College students should not have to worry about their parents embarrassing them to an audience of thousands. — Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 One night earlier in the tour, a woman Usher had brought onstage rebuked him, which embarrassed him. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026 This isn’t a hypercar to smash lap records around the Nürburgring, but nor will it be embarrassed by a Porsche 911 GT3 at a track day. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass

Verb

The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
There’s no complicated touchscreen to confuse older family members or young kids, either.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

But what if the longer wavelengths of the embers could both extend the hours of socializing without heavily impeding our sleep cycle?

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
In June, a top story was the arrest of fifteen Minnesotans who were charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with a March 1st protest outside of ICE’s Minnesota headquarters.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

At worst, his weaknesses prove disruptive to the lineup in his minutes or hinder the development of the others.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Internalizing the middle Cross-border shopping has traditionally carried friction for consumers that could have otherwise hindered their ability to purchase from international retailers.

— Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinder

Verb

The only way Paul managed a point the whole game was with a 136 mph bullet to the corner that Alcaraz didn’t even bother moving for.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Ohtani reported that the area from his biceps to his neck was bothering him Wednesday night, Roberts said.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

Air force officials in Greece made no immediate comment on the status of the two airmen, noting that rescue crews were hampered by the fire on the grounds of Tanagra air force base, 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) north of Athens.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Stanford went 5 of 15 on third down and was hampered by a slew of inopportune penalties that Miami capitalized on.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of hamper

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“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of embarrass

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