1
as in to confuse
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
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 to complicate
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
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 embarrass
Mavericks 4-2 over Heat (2011): Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs absolutely embarrassed the Heatles.
—
Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Alyssa seems terrified but doesn’t embarrass herself.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Persistent press reports embarrassed state officials into ordering audits of Cheng’s use of his expense account.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
As the details emerge, the degree of Israel’s penetration of Iran’s system will further embarrass the regime.
—Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Alyssa seems terrified but doesn’t embarrass herself.
—Chris Feil, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Persistent press reports embarrassed state officials into ordering audits of Cheng’s use of his expense account.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
As the details emerge, the degree of Israel’s penetration of Iran’s system will further embarrass the regime.
—Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrass
Verb
-
Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
Hence, Nicole left the party, despondent at having been rejected and confused at the cold reception.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?—
Lauren Buitta,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The case presents a unique test of NIL outside the college sports landscape and in a setting where a player contract and collective bargaining agreements complicate the situation.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
7 July 2025
-
This exhaustive scientific work is complicated by ongoing legal and ethical concerns.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Siegemund, 37, plays an unorthodox style of tennis that can leave opponents flustered.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
-
Golden State forced Clark into deep 3-point jumpers and flustered the visiting team with tenacious defense in the paint.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
The list, created following a Trump executive order, aimed to identify jurisdictions hindering federal immigration laws and potentially withhold their funding.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Through the years, dozens of actresses have portrayed Superman's love interest and confidante Lois Lane, an award-winning reporter both perplexed and entranced by the man also (secretly) known as Clark Kent.—
Grace Gavilanes,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
The aftermath What perplexes her, Nicole Fech said, is that Anderson went out of her way to call the camp a year and a half after the family left the church.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.—
Richard Godwin,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
Chisholm, the Yankees’ hottest hitter over the last month or so, has said that the shoulder bothers him more in the field than at the plate.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrass. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share