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
Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
That student asked other students to record embarrassing photos of students both in and out of class.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Nathaniel Moore
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
The continual delays have led to many embarrassing moments, the most recent coming last Tuesday, when, after Barca officials told the media the Camp Nou was ready, the Barcelona city council arranged a press conference of their own in reply.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
That student asked other students to record embarrassing photos of students both in and out of class.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
The mother, being a mother, finds fault and has embarrassing politics.
—Nathaniel Moore
september 10, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
-
This is an uncomfortable reality, butting up against every idea of American exceptionalism.—
Hugh Kellenberger,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The woman described being shocked and feeling uncomfortable.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.—
Brian Sloan,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The merger will divide Elon, confusing prospective and current students.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Turmail pointed to the Brent Spence Bridge’s paralyzed development as a prime example of regulations, including permitting requirements, impeding progress.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Oct. 2025
-
According to my company's 2025 IT Trends Report, 44% of IT professionals cite a lack of real-time visibility into network connectivity as a primary factor impeding their productivity.—
Douglas Murray,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The shutdown could also delay the release of key economic data, further complicating policymakers’ decision making.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Private payrolls plunged in September, complicating the picture for the US economy as policymakers and investors struggle to assess the state of the labor market amid a government shutdown.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s six games without a goal now for their new striker, who still looks awkward in this side.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The onion on top is a little awkward to cut and to eat, so think of this as a knife-and-fork cornbread.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Higher tariff costs are hampering Nike's efforts to turn around its business.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The rains brought the state capital to a standstill, seriously hampering preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja — the biggest annual festival of Hindus in West Bengal state.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But the ever-reliable consumer is beginning to look shaky, courtesy of an unpleasant mix of a stagnating job market and sticky inflation.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The power is accompanied by a loud, unpleasant exhaust note.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share