embarrassing 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈber-ə-siŋ How to pronounce embarrassing (audio)
Definition of embarrassingnext
as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

embarrassing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of embarrass
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

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2
as in hampering
to create difficulty for the work or activity of a lot of this paperwork is unnecessary and just embarrasses the organization

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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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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 embarrassing
Adjective
Villegas' primary win was an embarrassing defeat for establishment Democrats, who intervened in the Central Valley contest to boost the moderate candidate. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 At 2-5 after an embarrassing loss to the Dolphins, the Jets have given little reason to believe Glenn should return in 2027. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
Things escalate as the two share a car ride home from a fancy gala and the bad man yells at her for embarrassing him. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026 Neither party acted on it; Republicans wanted to avoid embarrassing Trump, while Democrats wanted to avoid embarrassing Nancy Pelosi, whose husband is an active trader. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
  1. uncomfortable
  2. confusing
  3. hampering
  4. complicating
  5. awkward
  6. mortifying
  7. impeding
  8. perplexing
Adjective
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Jameson is an adult film actress, and Gronkowski put his head in his hands, appearing uncomfortable as Koutouvides started telling the story.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of uncomfortable
Verb
  • The decision to pursue short-term Band-Aid measures for a weak labor market and foreign trade tensions is confusing at first pass.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Trump and his officials also offered confusing messages as to why Starshield — which Ukraine uses for drone strikes and air defense — had been throttled.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of confusing
Verb
  • All of that said, getting salaries with Porzingis to match likely would require hampering the Heat rotation elsewhere.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hampering
Verb
  • Liquid fuels can slosh around tanks, complicating spacecraft control.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The annual New York City Marathon — which attracts tourists and runners from all over the world while complicating surface transportation across all five boroughs — is typically a high-water mark for subway ridership.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of complicating
Adjective
  • Mallen Kupferer, the daughter of two theater artists and an actor since early childhood, is a wonder to watch, her performance as authentic and awkward as any teenager.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The route passes through neighborhoods including NoDa and Plaza Midwood, offering lively pockets of support but also quieter stretches, awkward turns and hills that can feel particularly unforgiving late in the race.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of awkward
Verb
  • Kikuchi makes Haru’s occasionally mortifying romantic pursuit both funny and affecting, embracing the character’s impulsive, sometimes ridiculous behavior without diminishing the depth of her loss.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The film approaches its health crisis with amazing balance and breadth, resulting in a mortifying conflict that feels uniquely global in scale.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of mortifying
Verb
  • Police said the car was swerving across lanes, impeding traffic and forcing other drivers to brake or take action to avoid her car.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Advertisement But other allies of Jackson say an overcautious campaign is impeding the Bernie Sanders progressive and stalwart labor champion from connecting with voters.
    — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of impeding
Verb
  • Gibson Nash, 21, was charged with first-degree murder after a series of perplexing events eventually led police to his mother’s bloodied body.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But there were also perplexing moments that punctured the gravitas of the event (even for an event built around hand-to-hand combat).
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Definition of perplexing

Browse Nearby Words

embarrasses
embarrassing
embarrassment
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Cite this Entry

“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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