Thesaurus

embarrass

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of embarrass

1 to throw into a state of self-conscious distress

the modest young soldiers were embarrassed by the public praise for their heroism

Synonyms for embarrass

Words Related to embarrass

Near Antonyms for embarrass

assure,
reassure

2 to create difficulty for the work or activity of

a lot of this paperwork is unnecessary and just embarrasses the organization

Synonyms for embarrass

Words Related to embarrass

bog (down),
mire

Phrases Synonymous with embarrass

Near Antonyms for embarrass

loosen,
smooth

Antonyms for embarrass

3 to make complex or difficult

claims that the new government regulations will needlessly embarrass the operations of small businesses in the state

Synonyms for embarrass

Words Related to embarrass

intensify,
magnify

snarl,
tangle

Near Antonyms for embarrass

ease,
facilitate

oversimplify

Antonyms for embarrass

Frequently Asked Questions About embarrass

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