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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
This still was a much stronger performance by the Fins than last week’s embarrassing 33-8 defeat in Indianapolis, but that was a low bar to leap.
—Miami Herald, 14 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
No one had fooled Coppola into embarrassing himself publicly — although there’s always a risk, when a powerful figure surrounds himself with yes-people, that no one is left to push back and challenge his choices.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
This still was a much stronger performance by the Fins than last week’s embarrassing 33-8 defeat in Indianapolis, but that was a low bar to leap.
—Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
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Both Leonas and Miller suggest that those with sensitive skin or people who have specific allergies are likely the most impacted by new clothing’s loose dyes and chemicals, as the garments’ contact with skin may cause rashes; dry, itchy patches; and other types of uncomfortable reactions.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
9 Oct. 2025
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But what happened in the eighth was uncomfortable to watch.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Little signs of manipulation and gaslighting apepared along the way, further confusing her.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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However, understanding what needs to be done can be confusing due to a constant stream of climate updates, scientific findings and critical decisions that are shaping our future.—
ABC Climate Unit,
ABC News,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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The shutdown could also delay the release of key economic data, further complicating policymakers’ decision making.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Rainfall was hampering efforts to reach the villages and many roads were swept away or blocked by the landslides.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
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The appointment ends a three-month mayoral vacancy that has been hampering efforts to repair the city's aging, leak-prone water system.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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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
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This can prevent mold and mildew growth, which can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to the dishwasher.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
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But too much fiber at once can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal issues, like gas and bloating.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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