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 Vilanch mostly remembers the embarrassment of realizing he’d been taken. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 Nightmares, recurring dreams, dreams of embarrassment, and dreams of flying—each might have a different purpose, still unknown to us. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 Their love is expressed through proximity, embarrassment, loyalty, silence, and simply remaining present. — Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 This separating of spheres feels particularly crucial given the embarrassment surrounding NFTs that still lingers among many art professionals. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 17 Aug. 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
  • Trouble with the way samples are handled or the presence of other medical conditions such as kidney problems or viral illnesses can also lead to confusion with interpreting the results.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Over the past week and a half, Wattpad users across social media have expressed varying degrees of confusion and outrage over their belief that the fanfiction site has introduced restrictive new rules.
    — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • Travelers leaving Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s other territory in North Africa, are subject to exit checks at ports and airports, an obstacle for migrants who enter the territories illegally and hope to reach the European continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The design is meant to move around any obstacles, including the free weights collection near your pilates mat, meaning no more sweaty spots in your home gym.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • This month, that disconnect became an electoral humiliation for Republican leaders.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The season’s final humiliation was losing a Copa del Rey final to neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu, with both Mourinho and Ronaldo red-carded.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • An open field across from the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA could potentially be the site of Crown Point’s first pet adoption and resource center but multiple hurdles still remain.
    — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The organizations, specialists and larger coalition of the willing have to contend with these hurdles.
    — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Still in discomfort, Adames remained in the game until the bottom of the fifth after striking out in the top half.
    — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Runners, cyclists, gym-goers, tennis and pickleball players, and weekend walkers may experience leg fatigue or discomfort after physical activity.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • Rachel Moser is charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy to commit tampering of evidence, conspiracy to commit abuse of a corpse and obstruction.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Some may also face charges for battery, obstruction and resisting a police officer.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • But there’s more than gags here; the episode also delves into the gang’s unease with their changing lives, as well as the reservations everyone but Ted seems to have about his engagement to Stella (Sarah Chalke).
    — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • But Susser said the unease might also reflect that society hasn’t quite established clear norms around AI use.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • For many in Canada, the dispute raises concerns about American interference with Canada’s national identity.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Jayden Allen Harwood, according to Uthmeier's office, was arrested on charges of interference in a child custody case and resisting officers without violence.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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