1
as in confuses
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 impedes
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 complicates
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
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 embarrasses
Graft inquiry embarrasses Zelensky Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said in a Telegram announcement that the investigation into Yermak is ongoing.
—
Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
But the stunt goes south as Wooley turns out to be an unabashed bigot who embarrasses the show and gets scolded by the host.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025
Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
But the stunt goes south as Wooley turns out to be an unabashed bigot who embarrasses the show and gets scolded by the host.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrasses
Verb
-
Nobody ever confuses two white NASCAR drivers!—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
The odor masks the scent of animals' preferred vegetables and confuses insect pests, including aphids, carrot flies, cabbage worms and loopers, spider mites, thrips, and Japanese beetles.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
State and federal agencies don’t track data around vitamin K injection refusal or subsequent bleeding, which impedes their ability to quantify and track outcomes, including death.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The landmark debut — and the potential capacity squeeze caused by other blockbuster listings in the pipeline, such as OpenAI — further complicates the outlook for Europe's IPO space, which is already grappling with ongoing bond market volatility and the prospect of looming interest rate hikes.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
What complicates this form of identification is what happened the following year.—
Michael Van Sickler,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Nothing flusters her except dogs barking, and as the story unfolds the reason is easily surmised.—
Mary Damiano,
Miami Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
Vast terrain hinders search The immediate area in Stewart County where the search is currently contained is covered with big trees and steep hills, as well as snakes and ticks, according to the sheriff.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And if someone bothers Anaia, Racine is there to fight for her.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
-
An unconventional structure or new approach bothers them not a whit.—
Mac Barnett,
Longreads,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Over time, this erodes trust, hampers innovation and increases attrition.—
Kapil Jain,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Embarrasses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrasses. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
