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 Lining the approach to the gate, there was an embarrassment of new undergarments, towering piles of briefs and T-shirts. — Devin Friedman, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 The water sports pavilion has all the gear to take advantage of the embarrassment of adventure the Caribbean has to offer, from e-foiling boards to swim flippers to canoes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 Shame and embarrassment often accompany loneliness, so taking small steps to reach out to anyone can help get the gears going again. — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, a major reboot out of Canton as Hall of Fame reduces its voting body from 50 to 25 in wake of last year’s embarrassment when all-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick stunningly did not get in on first ballot. — Greg Cote september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 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
  • The conflicting rulings caused confusion and frustration for voters.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Since the Iran war began, there has been increasing confusion over the number of troops who have been injured and killed, unlike in many other overseas conflicts when data is reported routinely.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
  • His efforts, however, encountered their greatest obstacle after World War II due to the suspicions aroused by Philip’s family’s uncomfortable ties to the Nazis.
    — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • The humiliation snuck up on him one day during a casual rehearsal.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The irony of America’s most famous entrapment artist facing his own public humiliation is not lost on him.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • This year, for example, Regan dropped an initiative that would have restricted hospital executives’ pay, in exchange for the California Hospital Association not imposing new administrative hurdles on unions pursuing political campaigns.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the biggest hurdles the state faces is communicating to the public the importance of these fires.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Let the discomfort show you which ambition, responsibility, or expectation still needs to become more clearly yours.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Injury updates Center fielder Jakob Marsee experienced left elbow discomfort while throwing in recent days and plans to see Keith Meister, a renowned sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • Allegations of obstruction The sentencing dispute also extends beyond Rivera’s lobbying activities.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
  • He was issued felony citations on suspicion of burglary, evading police, driving more than 100 mph, hit-and-run, obstruction and resisting, reckless driving and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • When presented together and thought juxtapositionally, the works launch visitors onto an emotional pendulum that pivots from exhilaration to unease and distress.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The survey quantifies the sense of unease and frustration many customers of these new-wave insurers feel.
    — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • War Secretary Pete Hegseth is mobilizing the Pentagon’s cybersecurity and intelligence resources to protect against foreign interference in the 2026 midterm elections.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But officials cited Wallace for pass interference, giving the Broncos another set of downs.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of interference

Phrases Containing embarrassment

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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 5 Oct. 2026.

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