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 And Peggy deals with Bobby fighting dirty by embarrassing him and giving him noogies as Hank and the neighbors watch. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025 By embarrassing Barca to this extent, Williams has kissed goodbye to the prospect of ever donning Blaugrana and seems to have bended to pressure from Athletic Club’s fans. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 The Avs, equipped with a battery of stars; the Broncos, embarrassed by a first-round flop against Jacksonville; and Rockies, at the height of their home run powers, all had realistic championship ambitions. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025 Breakdown: The Mustangs embarrassed Dykes and the Horned Frogs last year in Highland Park in an ugly 66-42 defeat that helped propel SMU to the ACC title game and a playoff appearance. Steven Johnson july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass
Verb
  • Two people can deliver the same message, but their delivery style can make the difference between motivating and confusing a team.
    Kendra MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The snake is also easily confused with the Brahminy blind snake, also known as the flowerpot snake, an invasive species in Barbados, according to Re:wild.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • This complicates things because Brianna can’t shake the feeling that maybe Roman was sent to spy on them.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 31 July 2025
  • Analysts see signs of a shift toward easing—possibly beginning in September—but warn that President Trump’s fiscal policies may complicate Fed chair Jerome Powell’s efforts to control inflation, regardless of rate decisions.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Siegemund, 37, plays an unorthodox style of tennis that can leave opponents flustered.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Leading Through Change And Crisis There's no doubt leadership fatigue toward managing culture can erode an organization’s sense of identity, hinder growth and breed disengagement.
    Dave Barnett, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Hayes and the unnamed person were also charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree, according to court documents.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • At the time, I was perplexed and questioned if this was necessary.
    Susan Horava, Health, 24 June 2025
  • Ultimately, the remaining Islanders dumped Jeremiah and Hannah, a controversial move that left viewers at home perplexed as to why this decision was made.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • So while the player got a dream move to one of Europe’s top leagues and RSL got what felt like good value, a once-promising push to win hardware was undeniably hampered.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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