embarrassment

noun

im-ˈber-əs-mənt How to pronounce embarrassment (audio)
Definition of embarrassmentnext
1
as in confusion
the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable experienced the great embarrassment of tripping while on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult a big suitcase filled with clothes proved to be more an embarrassment than a convenience on my trip

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 embarrassment But only 12% say embarrassment stops them from spending more. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 What about art that makes one cringe with embarrassment at its existence? — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Chronicling the hyper-niche behaviors that define our online existence, Berlant describes the seemingly inescapable embarrassment of wasting one’s life away in an endless scroll. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 But sometimes, even the risk of public embarrassment isn’t enough to stop them. — Dorie Clark, Contributor, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embarrassment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassment
  1. confusion
  2. obstacle
  3. humiliation
  4. hurdle
  5. discomfort
  6. obstruction
  7. unease
  8. interference
Noun
  • Adding to the confusion, a young female pilot has since been reported to have perished in the crash.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Mantovani, a Miami Beach resident who immigrated to the United States from Argentina as a child, said confusion about the electoral system and doubts about the impact of a single vote kept him from participating in previous elections.
    — Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • The vote follows an investigation by The Times that highlighted obstacles faced by people trying to obtain restraining orders in cases of domestic abuse.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Are subtitles still an obstacle for younger American audiences?
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • But desperation has a way of making humiliation seem acceptable.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The same musical inflection that voices humiliation in Waller’s song becomes an expression of delighted discovery in the Gershwins’.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • Clinging to outdated graduation hurdles is no substitute for improving teaching and learning.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Two major South Baltimore housing projects cleared a key hurdle last week, advancing plans for 500 townhomes in Baltimore Peninsula and 122 townhomes in Locust Point.
    — Lauren Breunig, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • The Moon’s opposition to Saturn in your sign asks you to tolerate a little discomfort without treating it as an emergency.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Normalize questioning, celebrate courage and remove penalties for discomfort.
    — Susan Madsen, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • Some also faced additional charges of falsifying records and obstruction.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Police and prosecutors must investigate threats and obstruction, and pursue violations supported by the evidence.
    — Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Le Pen, meanwhile, has sought to harness unease over the demonstrations.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • California Democrats have been unable, so far, to solve homelessness or rising housing prices, Newton said, and there is unease about whether the policies that have gotten California to this point can move the state forward.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • The sensor supports the missile’s ability to operate around sophisticated air defense networks, where electronic interference and other battlefield threats can complicate targeting.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Broncos held on to beat the Rams 30-26 in Week 3 after a defensive pass interference call negated cornerback Josh Wallace's interception with just over a minute remaining.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of interference

Phrases Containing embarrassment

Browse Nearby Words

embarrassing
embarrassment
embarrassment of riches
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Cite this Entry

“Embarrassment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassment. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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