as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
This is a shocking and embarrassing wake up call for her.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
These repressive laws aren't just embarrassing us on the world stage—they're risking the freedom of our friends and neighbors who just want to be free to think their own thoughts on their own streets.
—Lois McLatchie Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
The eagles' first flights were often clumsy, almost embarrassing affairs, according to Parker.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
This is a shocking and embarrassing wake up call for her.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
These repressive laws aren't just embarrassing us on the world stage—they're risking the freedom of our friends and neighbors who just want to be free to think their own thoughts on their own streets.
—Lois McLatchie Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
-
The father said the priest asked about masturbation and pornography, and that his son was uncomfortable and reported it immediately after leaving church.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The content is absurd, borderline uncomfortable and consistently viral.—
Leeron Walter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In such a large, complex, dangerous, and confusing world, can one person make a difference to anything?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
-
These fictional AIs tapped into our deepest worries about healthcare—long waits at the doctor's office, confusing medical information and the wish for constant health guidance.—
Sanath Chilakala,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell, a longtime advocate for dam removal, told The Arizona Republic in 2024 that his tribe had suffered from the dams impeding salmon migration years before the downriver tribes.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
-
But that kind of government involvement carries any number of risks, like impeding overall economic growth or making US companies less competitive around the world.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Sep. 2025
-
When performance declines, there are so many complicating factors to consider to arrive at the root issue.—
Melinda Fouts,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After a 21-year absence from Wrigley Field that ended earlier this summer, the weekend ceremonies seemed to signal the conclusion to an awkward, ongoing saga.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
However, nothing negates the unique way in which people from the South embrace socializing with each other, which brings us to a potentially awkward situation that arises often enough and gives grief to even the most polite Southerners.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Since Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United 10 months ago, the team’s struggles to score goals have been hampering them.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Nurse Chapel concludes that sleep, friends, and romantic entanglements have been hampering her productivity.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The first season of The Office was particularly unpleasant at times, with some of Michael’s most appalling behavior, and The Paper avoids this almost entirely.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
If the egg smells unpleasant or has discoloration, discard the egg.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share