as in uncomfortable
causing embarrassment
an embarrassing failure of memory inauspiciously marked my first appearance as an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in confusing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impeding
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 complicating
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
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Recent Examples of embarrassing
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
This is a shocking and embarrassing wake up call for her.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Taking just the bare stats into consideration, Rooney's managerial career has been defined by a horrendously low win rate, but that is in addition to a spate of embarrassing off-field antics.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Adjective
The eagles' first flights were often clumsy, almost embarrassing affairs, according to Parker.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
This is a shocking and embarrassing wake up call for her.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Taking just the bare stats into consideration, Rooney's managerial career has been defined by a horrendously low win rate, but that is in addition to a spate of embarrassing off-field antics.
—Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for embarrassing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embarrassing
Adjective
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Candidate quality is an uncomfortable topic for political parties.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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These gems combine the functionality of a bra with the comfort of a cozy piece of clothing, complete with bra shelves or cups to help support the girls without the need for an extra (and sometimes uncomfortable) wires and layers.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In such a large, complex, dangerous, and confusing world, can one person make a difference to anything?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
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These fictional AIs tapped into our deepest worries about healthcare—long waits at the doctor's office, confusing medical information and the wish for constant health guidance.—
Sanath Chilakala,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell, a longtime advocate for dam removal, told The Arizona Republic in 2024 that his tribe had suffered from the dams impeding salmon migration years before the downriver tribes.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
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But that kind of government involvement carries any number of risks, like impeding overall economic growth or making US companies less competitive around the world.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Sep. 2025
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When performance declines, there are so many complicating factors to consider to arrive at the root issue.—
Melinda Fouts,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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After a 21-year absence from Wrigley Field that ended earlier this summer, the weekend ceremonies seemed to signal the conclusion to an awkward, ongoing saga.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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However, nothing negates the unique way in which people from the South embrace socializing with each other, which brings us to a potentially awkward situation that arises often enough and gives grief to even the most polite Southerners.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With few credible projects elsewhere, and with legal and political battles still hampering California, the outlook isn’t good.—
Ben Jones,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
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Since Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United 10 months ago, the team’s struggles to score goals have been hampering them.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The criminal justice system In early April, a man failed to show up for his pretrial conference in Canyon County, perplexing his lawyer.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Increase your fiber intake slowly and drink plenty of water to reduce unpleasant side effects like cramping and bloating.—
Courtney Southwick,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
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Any unpleasant government decision—such as the August order blocking voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, on the pretext of preventing scams and terrorist activity—tends to be perceived mostly with passive discontent and immediate adaptation with the search for alternative practical solutions.—
ANDREI KOLESNIKOV,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Embarrassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embarrassing. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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