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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of embarrassing
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
But the Dolphins also lost in embarrassing fashion, 33-8 to the Colts in Week 1.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Taking just the bare stats into consideration, Rooney's managerial career has been defined by a horrendously low win rate, but that is in addition to a spate of embarrassing off-field antics.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
Standing up in front of the House of Commons on Wednesday to back Mandelson—before firing him less than 24 hours later—was embarrassing.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
But the Dolphins also lost in embarrassing fashion, 33-8 to the Colts in Week 1.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
On top of that already embarrassing history, Ravens longtime head coach John Harbaugh has made some unfortunate NFL history of his own.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Taking just the bare stats into consideration, Rooney's managerial career has been defined by a horrendously low win rate, but that is in addition to a spate of embarrassing off-field antics.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
-
Candidate quality is an uncomfortable topic for political parties.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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These gems combine the functionality of a bra with the comfort of a cozy piece of clothing, complete with bra shelves or cups to help support the girls without the need for an extra (and sometimes uncomfortable) wires and layers.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Since its creation in 2007, only about 2% of applicants had successfully received forgiveness before the pandemic, largely due to confusing eligibility rules and administrative mismanagement.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Beneficiaries would have to verify their own identities by using an often-confusing web portal or by traveling to a field office to do it in person.—
Eli Hager,
ProPublica,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Some conservatives have pushed for green card holders like Öztürk or Mahmoud Khalil, who participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, to face deportation, sparking criticism from free speech advocates who view those calls as impeding on their First Amendment rights.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Analysts now warn that Patel's on-air summaries may force prosecutors to respond in court, potentially complicating an already fast-moving and closely watched prosecution.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Right guard Tyler Steen was driven back into Hurts during the offense’s second drive, complicating a third-and-10 throw that fell incomplete.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While there is little doubt about the outcome of the Fed meeting, there are still questions over who exactly will be voting—setting up some very awkward dynamics.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
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This leaves the broader discourse around Kirk’s assassination in an awkward position, deprived of the certainty that so many crave.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After much complaining, Bungie reverted some nerfs like hampering the hyper-efficient Solo Ops farm.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Dankowski highlighted that the lack of this information would effectively mean losing one of the most important plasma diagnostic tools, significantly hampering scientific research at ITER and the safe operation of future power reactors.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The criminal justice system In early April, a man failed to show up for his pretrial conference in Canyon County, perplexing his lawyer.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Just the prospect of interacting with that person can be unpleasant or feel draining.—
Josh Davis,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
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One unpleasant but necessary aspect of board service is disciplinary action against unneighborly behavior by members.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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