Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discomfit contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discomfit are abash, disconcert, embarrass, and rattle. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When is abash a more appropriate choice than discomfit?

In some situations, the words abash and discomfit are roughly equivalent. However, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When could disconcert be used to replace discomfit?

The synonyms disconcert and discomfit are sometimes interchangeable, but disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When can embarrass be used instead of discomfit?

The words embarrass and discomfit can be used in similar contexts, but embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

In what contexts can rattle take the place of discomfit?

While in some cases nearly identical to discomfit, rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

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 discomfit The enfolding tensions of late capitalism are shaped into a coherent yet discomfiting whole. Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 But there are discomfiting signs that HTS is already abandoning an inclusive mentality and intends to consolidate single-party Islamist rule. Fawaz A. Gerges, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025 But there are discomfiting signs that HTS is already abandoning an inclusive mentality and intends to consolidate single-party Islamist rule. Fawaz A. Gerges, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2025 But overjoyed liberals seem to again have a discomfiting ally in Trump, who released a curious post-collapse statement that appeared to heap ridicule on Putin. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for discomfit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discomfit
Verb
  • Retailers have sought to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience as traditional approaches such as locking up products can frustrate shoppers and have been found to lower sales.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • And after reports surfaced that Boston had grown frustrated with the star slugger not conducting postgame TV interviews, Devers did exactly that in his first week in San Francisco.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • Mavericks 4-2 over Heat (2011): Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs absolutely embarrassed the Heatles.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • What baffles researchers is that some people who suffer from chronic pain report not having a past injury or evidence of illness.
    Nicole Pajer, People.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The man is Jack Ryan, not to be confused with the Jack Ryan dreamed up by Tom Clancy.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • And some say they were confused by what their leases said about renters’ insurance, and they were left without coverage.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The crush of business has been disconcerting but welcome.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • There is a directness to Salah which opponents find disconcerting.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • This means they are not flustered by travel and seem to flourish no matter the surface or circumstances.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discomfit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discomfit. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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