1
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
2
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
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of embarrass
As the details emerge, the degree of Israel’s penetration of Iran’s system will further embarrass the regime.
—
Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2025
Day 4 Observations SoCal finally gets a win, embarrassing the hosts with two dominant gender doubles wins and then holding on with super sub Hovenier the leading the way.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Races are sometimes won by runners making a move from the back of the pack, and L.A. could still find its stride, show some pride, and avoid embarrassing itself.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2025
Day 4 Observations SoCal finally gets a win, embarrassing the hosts with two dominant gender doubles wins and then holding on with super sub Hovenier the leading the way.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Races are sometimes won by runners making a move from the back of the pack, and L.A. could still find its stride, show some pride, and avoid embarrassing itself.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass
Verb
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Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
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The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Verb
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The budget bill championed by President Donald Trump could complicate next year’s tax filing season after the IRS lost one-quarter of its employees through staffing cuts, an independent watchdog reported Wednesday.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
25 June 2025
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Adding another first rounder this summer would have complicated both the team’s rotation and salary structure.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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This means they are not flustered by travel and seem to flourish no matter the surface or circumstances.—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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For years, he has been flustered by the contact an Alex Caruso or OG Anunoby can get away with in the post, relative to someone like Karl-Anthony Towns.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
6 June 2025
Verb
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However, rather than hindering its movement, this feature is actually an adaptation that enhances its ability to survive in a diverse range of North American habitats.—
Smithsonian magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 June 2025
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And continuing to avoid important financial conversations when a child returns home as an adult can further hinder a boomerang child's ability to navigate future financial decisions, Gonzalez says.—
Natalie Wu,
CNBC,
19 June 2025
Verb
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With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
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They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Also on this episode: With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, the Roundtable takes one more look at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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Orban said in February that organisers should not even bother organizing Pride in Budapest this year.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 June 2025
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Critics, however, say that would hamper recovery efforts.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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