as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in confusing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impeding
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 complicating
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 embarrassing
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
The problem for Apple is that its AI efforts to date have been filled with embarrassing missteps and delays.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
And the Chiefs sawed the legs off their throne, gleefully embarrassing them.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
The rules become optional, enforcement becomes embarrassing, and the moral high ground becomes a punchline.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
The problem for Apple is that its AI efforts to date have been filled with embarrassing missteps and delays.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
An ever-growing pile of embarrassing legislative audits consistently reveals the persistent challenge the governor has with recruiting and retaining leaders with executive acumen.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
And the Chiefs sawed the legs off their throne, gleefully embarrassing them.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
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When they’re installed without fixing underlying issues, homeowners can end up disappointed, uncomfortable or paying more than expected.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Lenses can crack, and frames can crack or warp in a way that makes wearing them difficult or uncomfortable.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Germany's exact medal count is a point of contention because Germany has not always competed in each Olympics as a unified country, which can lead to confusing medal counts.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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For many, tax season can be a confusing and stressful time with lingering deadlines and confusing tax forms.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
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Federal prosecutors secured an indictment against Laryen Torres-Carmona in September, charging the 26-year-old with two counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Further complicating efforts to ensure a fair trial is the rhetoric swirling around Kirk’s death because of his political prominence.—
Matthew Brown,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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But a longtime party member now running as an independent is complicating those plans.—
Marissa Martinez,
NBC news,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Scenes around the dinner table are awkward to say the least, but Meg has a big supporter in bestie Penny (Sophia Torres) and a burning desire to bring this show to life against all odds.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
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All four athletes stood together, smiling for photos through an undeniably awkward situation.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ursula Lindsey The Norwegian writer Vigdis Hjorth has a gift for depicting painful, confusing, and mortifying relationships.—
Joanna Walsh,
The New York Review of Books,
15 Nov. 2025
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And that display from our fans was mortifying.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The wintry blast, after hampering malls and stores Sunday, is making travel challenging Monday with roads still presenting treacherous conditions, coated by a mixture of frozen precipitation.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Elon Musk warned the biggest issue hampering AI advancement in the United States is a problem Chinese competitors don’t have.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation.—
Ara H. Merjian,
Artforum,
1 Jan. 2026
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Even more than the finished show, this eerie, perplexing multi-Gaga spectacle feels like a glimpse into her subconscious.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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