1
as in confused
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 hampered
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 complicated
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
as in abashed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 embarrassed
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Norvell’s predecessor, Steve Addazio, routinely embarrassed CSU at a time when the administration didn’t need any more help in that department.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
The Jets were embarrassed by the Bills, but there is still plenty of season left for the team to get back on track.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassed
Verb
Police officers guarding the barricades appeared somewhat embarrassed at having to block the path of a visiting world leader.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Norvell’s predecessor, Steve Addazio, routinely embarrassed CSU at a time when the administration didn’t need any more help in that department.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The team that embarrassed the Rams at SoFi Stadium in November.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
The Jets were embarrassed by the Bills, but there is still plenty of season left for the team to get back on track.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassed
Verb
-
Though some might be confused by insurance companies sending letters urging consumers to get screened, some advocates say any awareness about colon cancer screening is welcome.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The second-year coach appeared to be confused after the foul call before exiting the court and heading into the locker room tunnel.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While our study dating back to 1984 found that certain environmental contaminants induce T cells that suppress the immune system, further study on such cells was hampered by an inability in the field at large to isolate and characterize these cells.—
Mitzi Nagarkatti,
The Conversation,
10 Oct. 2025
-
An independent review released in September found that Los Angeles County’s emergency response was hampered by outdated technology, staffing shortages and inconsistent evacuation procedures.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And here’s where things get complicated.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
-
As streaming slowly became the public’s preferred way of listening to records, the medium complicated the traditional definition of success.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But this year’s bash is looking a little more abashed.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2021
-
Delphine Hicks—Caroline had waited for her beside the church steps one First Sunday (big meeting day) and had thrown her to the ground and robbed the abashed vampire of her underthings.—
Zora Neale Hurston,
Harper's magazine,
6 Jan. 2020
Verb
-
Ohio State flustered the Illinois offense and quarterback Luke Altmyer, holding them to just 47 yards rushing and limiting an offense that thrives on explosive passing plays.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
-
From the second possession onward, the Chiefs’ defense flustered Lamar Jackson, generating two turnovers for the second straight matchup.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For years, technological, geographical and financial hurdles impeded wave and tide energy development.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The scandal has already impeded the effort to hold Israel accountable for the death toll in Gaza; the woman fears that anger at Israel might now lead members of the assembly to discount her story and, instead, side with Khan.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
For nearly 20 years, astronomers have been perplexed by the strange disk of dust and debris circling Fomalhaut, a bright star just 25 light-years from Earth.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Thomas Jefferson was likewise discomfited by the revolutionary possibility of female citizenship.—
Jane Kamensky,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassed. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share