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 By coach Cheryl Reeve’s standard, Saturday night’s match against the Portland Fire was a defensive embarrassment. — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026 Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade? — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026 While Kali’s protruding tongue is sometimes interpreted as a gesture of embarrassment or shame, the Rolling Stones’ logo reimagines it as a symbol of protest and antiestablishment sentiment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026 Well, embarrassment might be the most apt phrase to describe his performance. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 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
  • As last week demonstrated, this is a recipe for confusion, uncertainty, and higher borrowing costs.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The deal acknowledges that even though the two facilities have similar names, the confusion among flyers is minimal.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of confusion
Noun
  • The Moon Will Steal The Show This year’s biggest obstacle won’t be clouds, but moonlight.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Having spent decades watching powerful men evade justice, Nora is doubly determined to bring this one down, and regards Catherine’s vigilantism as an obstacle to a larger victory.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Definition of obstacle
Noun
  • In the end, the young cockroaches proved so resilient because Modi’s regime of control had no punishment or humiliation to threaten them with beyond what the system already inflicts on them every day.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • By the time Blake went on trial, nearly a decade had passed since Simpson’s acquittal for double homicide, but for prosecutors and detectives, the humiliation was fresh.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • When firefighters identify dangerous wildfire hazards, the solution shouldn’t be delayed by endless procedural hurdles.
    — Ruben Grijalva, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The deal faces hurdles over whether the Israeli or Hamas portion of the agreement should take place first, NPR's Franco Ordoñez tells Up First.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026
Definition of hurdle
Noun
  • Don’t wait for a child to express discomfort or pain to lighten the load, experts say.
    — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The congressman's lawyers argued that the panel did not show that the staffers communicated their discomfort to Edwards.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of discomfort
Noun
  • Fauci refused to answer questions at the hearing based on his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and Republicans threatened to charge him with obstruction.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • While Clinton was impeached by the house, he was acquitted of perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of obstruction
Noun
  • Such talk seemed fanciful until this week, despite long-term unease with Infantino’s style and previous attempts to force through unpopular projects.
    — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson, playing Tom’s own version of that unease a few beats earlier, needed only the smallest gesture to register it.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of unease
Noun
  • Reigns won the match with three spears in a row in a perfect singles match that had zero interference.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Some legal and tax experts say the immunity agreement could violate an IRS statute barring executive branch interference in taxpayer audits and investigations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on embarrassment

Nglish: Translation of embarrassment for Spanish Speakers

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